Kargil Vijay Diwas in pics: India commemorates 20th anniversary of 1999 War

The Indian Army is gearing up to observe the 20th anniversary of Operation Vijay, popularly known as Kargil War on Friday, to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in the heroic war.

President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the supreme commander of armed forces, will be joining the ceremonies of Kargil Victory Day at War Memorial in Dras in Kargil district on Friday.

The president would be received by Governor Satya Pal Malik along with three service chief; Chief of Armed Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh.

The Kargil conflict was one of the fiercest wars fought by India. In 1999, the soldiers of the Indian Army fought legendary battles in Dras, Kaksar, Batalik and Turtok Sectors in Jamma and Kashmir's Kargil from May to July to push back the Pakistan Army from the icy heights and win the war. The Corps of Signals surmounted all odds and supported the operations very effectively.

On July 26, the nation would commemorate the sheer valour and courage displayed by our soldiers to mark the victory against the Pakistani Army.

In the span of two months (from May to July), Indian soldiers fought bravely and recaptured several peaks taken by Pakistani soldiers disguised as Kashmiri terrorists. On July 15, 1999, the artillery with its enhanced reach and ammunition caused extensive destruction and damage to enemy targets in an effective and responsive manner.  

Several key battles were fought and many soldiers made the supreme sacrifice along the Line of Control (LoC). To win the battle, 503 and 508 Army Service Corps Battalions and 874 Animal Transport Battalion provided logistics support to fighting echelons in harsh terrain.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lit the Victory Flame for Inspiring Victory of  Indian Armed Forces at National War Memorial in New Delhi in memory of Kargil martyrs. It was carried by Indian Army's sportsmen and war heroes to be taken to War Memorial at Dras in Kargil district. The flame has passed through nine towns and cities and will reach Dras in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26.

After the Victory Flame was lit from National War Memorial in New Delhi, it reached Trishul Division. The arrival of the Victory Flame was marked with great enthusiasm and a large number of events were organised to welcome the Victory Flame Relay.

To observe the nation's victory and pay homage to our Bravehearts, more than 6,000 people participated in the Kargil Victory Run which was organised from Vijay Chowk to India Gate in Delhi.

A joint cycling and trekking expedition, comprising participants from the Indian Army, IMTRAT and Royal Bhutan Army was flagged off on July 15, 2019, from Haa in Bhutan. The expedition covered a distance of 161 km over a span of five days.

A motorcycle expedition of 13 JAK RIF, on reaching Palampur, interacted with Veer Naris of Kargil War and ESMs. They also interacted with the parents of Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (P).

Commemorating Kargil Vijay, Fire and Fury Corps flagged off off White Water Rafting Expedition undertaken by Parashu Brigade from Nyoma to Nimu. The 27-member team traversed for 210 km from an altitude of 13,700 feet to 10,300 feet in Indus to set a National Record.

To commemorate the sheer valour and courage displayed by our soldiers, The 'Dare Devils' Motorcycle Rider Display Team of the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army performed in Dras, in Jammu and Kashmir, as part of Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration. The spectacular show of agility, physical endurance and sportsmanship spellbound the gathering, which included Armymen, children, members of other forces.