It has been 23 years since the infamous Kargil War. Also known as Kargil Vijay Diwas, this day is celebrated in remembrance and honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation in 1999. 

Why is Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated? 

Two long months of a fight between India and Pakistan in the freezing heights of Kargil-Dras, Jammu & Kashmir, led to many soldiers losing their lives for their country under ‘Operation Vijay’. It was July 26, 1999, that India brought the operation to an end with a triumphant victory. The moment for the Army was surreal as it raised the tricolour at the top of Kargil after reclaiming its peaks from the Pakistan army. 

Also Read | All about ‘Shershaah’, a film based on Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra

Today marks 23 years of the success of ‘Operation Vijay’. As Indians celebrate Kargil Diwas, events and functions are organised all over the country commemorate the soldiers, who laid down their lives during India’s fight to re-establish its territories. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid respect to the martyrs on Monday and tweeted, “We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day.” he also shared an excerpt from last year’s ”Mann Ki Baat’.”

History of Kargil War 

‘Operation Vijay’ was launched to clear the Kargil infiltration by Kashmiri militants and Pakistani soldiers on the side of India at the Line Of Control. This was the beginning of the second war between the two countries after 1971, which led to the birth of Bangladesh. 

Kargil war was fought despite the two countries signing the Shimla Agreement that specified that no armed conflict would take place at the LOC. It is, to this day, considered as one of the most dangerous and infamous high-altitude warfare that led to the deaths of more than 500 Army Men. 

The Kargil War memorial in Dras has the names of all those soldiers, who lost their lives in the war, inscribed in honour of them. People from across the country visit the site to pay respect to them on Kargil Diwas.