Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War on Friday. Visiting Kargil on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, he paid tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Security measures were heightened at the Kargil War Memorial in preparation for the Prime Minister’s visit. During his stay, PM Modi will also initiate the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project through a virtual ceremony.
According to an official statement, the Shinkun La Tunnel Project entails constructing a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel at an elevation of about 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road. This ambitious project seeks to offer year-round connectivity to Leh and, once completed, will become the world’s highest tunnel.
The Shinkun La tunnel will not only facilitate the efficient and rapid deployment of the nation’s armed forces and equipment but also contribute to Ladakh’s economic and social progress.
India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on July 26 to celebrate the success of Operation Vijay, which took place in 1999. This military operation responded to the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and terrorists into the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, where they occupied strategic positions.
Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, tweeted, “I pay my heartfelt tribute to the immortal martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas.”
PM Modi Pays Tributes to Fallen Soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War. He laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, on the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Pays Tributes to Fallen Soldiers at National War Memorial in Delhi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored the courageous armed forces personnel on Friday for their valiant fight in the Kargil War, which took place 25 years ago. He offered his tributes at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Paid Tribute to the Heroes of the Kargil War at Smritika War Memorial
On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. The commemoration took place at the Smritika War Memorial in Lucknow, where he paid his respects to the fallen heroes.
Rajnath Pays Tributes to Soldiers Who Ensured Victory in the Kargil War
On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid heartfelt tributes to the courageous armed forces personnel who fought with exceptional bravery in the harsh conditions of Kargil in Ladakh during the war in 1999. The Indian Army declared victory on July 26, 1999, after nearly three months of intense battle in the icy heights, successfully concluding “Operation Vijay.” The day is commemorated as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to honor India’s triumph over Pakistan in the conflict.
In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, “Today, on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 war.” He emphasized that the soldiers’ unwavering dedication, valor, and patriotism ensured the safety and security of the nation. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and future generations.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and all ranks of the armed forces also joined in remembering the supreme sacrifice made by the “Bravehearts” during the Kargil War.
PM Modi Lands in Drass, to Pay Homage to Soldiers Who Lost Lives in the 1999 Kargil War
During his visit, PM Modi will pay homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Following the tribute ceremony, the Prime Minister will proceed to virtually initiate the Shinkun La Tunnel Project by conducting the inaugural blast.
CDS General Anil Chauhan Pays Tribute to Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives in the 1999 Kargil War
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass and paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.
President Murmu in a Post on X Said, “I Pay Tribute to Each Soldier Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Kargil War Heroes
Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid homage to the courageous heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In his message, he acknowledged Uttarakhand’s tradition of selfless service to the country, emphasizing that numerous brave sons from the state laid down their lives during the Kargil War to defend the nation.
Chief Minister Dhami affirmed the state government’s commitment to the well-being of soldiers, veterans, and their families. He also praised the Indian Army’s steadfast dedication to maintaining the nation’s honor through their courage and valor, which has earned global recognition. He emphasized, “The nation will always remember the sacrifice of brave soldiers who defended the country’s borders during the Kargil War.”
Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated every year on July 26 in India, honors the triumph of Operation Vijay in 1999, which marked the end of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The conflict, which started in May 1999, saw Indian forces successfully recapturing strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tweets,
Today, We Remember the Indomitable Spirit and Courage of the Brave Soldiers Who Fought Valiantly in the 1999 War.”
PM Modi to Launch Construction of ‘World’s Highest Tunnel’ Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually conduct the “first blast” on Friday, marking the start of the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel. This strategically important project aims to offer alternate all-weather connectivity and enhance troop mobility to Ladakh. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) will construct the 4.1 km long tunnel at an altitude of 15,800 feet beneath the challenging Shinkun Pass on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,681 crore. Additionally, the PM-led cabinet committee on security approved the project in February of the previous year.
Despite the challenging weather conditions and harsh terrain, the construction of tunnels along the northern borders with China remains a top priority, especially in light of the ongoing military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, which has now entered its fifth year.
In March, they inaugurated the Sela tunnel, constructed at an altitude of over 13,000 feet on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road in Arunachal Pradesh, at a cost of Rs 825 crore. These tunnels serve multiple purposes. For instance, they include the underground storage of ammunition, missiles, fuel, and other essential supplies.
An officer stated, “Several more tunnels are under construction or in the planning stage.” Additionally, the government’s focus on developing critical infrastructure along the border regions underscores the importance of enhancing connectivity and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Security Tightened for PM Modi’s Visit
In preparation for Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Kargil War Memorial, authorities have heightened security measures. This visit commemorates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a significant day dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
PM Modi to Launch Shinkun La Tunnel
PM Modi will virtually initiate the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, featuring a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel at 15,800 feet. This project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh and significantly bolster economic development in Ladakh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil to honor the brave soldiers on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. During his visit, he will pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial and, in addition, conduct the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project virtually. This dual event not only commemorates the sacrifices of the soldiers but also marks a significant milestone in advancing infrastructure development.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 in India to mark the nation’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War. This victory ousted Pakistani forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops of Northern Kargil District in Ladakh in 1999. Initially, the Pakistani army denied involvement, attributing the conflict to Kashmiri militants. However, documents found on casualties, testimony from POWs, and later statements by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Pervez Musharraf confirmed the involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces, led by General Ashraf Rashid.
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. On this day, the nation pays tribute to these brave soldiers, with celebrations occurring throughout India, including in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister honors the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate. Events across the country recognize the contributions of the Indian Armed Forces.
History
Operation Vijay at Kargil War Memorial Dras Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, direct armed conflicts between the two neighbors were relatively few, despite ongoing efforts to control the Siachen Glacier and the resulting skirmishes in the 1980s. However, the 1990s saw rising tensions due to separatist activities in Kashmir and nuclear tests by both countries in 1998, creating a more hostile environment.
In February 1999, both nations signed the Lahore Declaration, pledging to seek a peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict. During the winter of 1998–1999, elements of the Pakistani Armed Forces covertly trained and deployed troops and paramilitary forces into Indian territory across the Line of Control (LOC) in an operation named “Operation Badri.
The goal was to sever the link between Kashmir and Ladakh, causing Indian forces to withdraw from the Siachen Glacier and forcing India to negotiate a broader settlement of the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan also aimed to internationalize the Kashmir issue and boost the morale of the decade-long rebellion in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Initially, Indian troops in the area mistook the infiltrators for jihadis and expected to evict them within days. However, they soon discovered further infiltrations along the LOC and recognized the infiltrators’ tactics, leading the Indian army to realize the larger scale of the attack. The infiltrators had seized an area between 130 km² and 200 km².
In response, the Government of India swiftly launched Operation Vijay, mobilizing 200,000 troops. Consequently, the war officially ended on July 26, 1999, with the successful eviction of Pakistani troops from their positions. This victory marked the day as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Throughout the conflict, 527 soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces heroically sacrificed their lives.
Celebrations
Every year, the nation comes together to honor the valiant soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. The Prime Minister of India, alongside other leaders and citizens, pays homage at various war memorials. Additionally, ceremonies, speeches, and events mark the day, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. Consequently, this collective effort ensures that their legacy continues to live on in the hearts of all Indians.
