The sun was shining over the Drass Valley in the morning when Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial and paid homage to the soldiers who were martyred in the conflict.
Prior to him, several senior Army officials—including Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Army Chief General Seth, and Northern Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma—laid wreaths at the war memorial.
Three helicopters, flying in an ‘Arrowhead’ formation, showered flower petals over the war memorial. An Advanced Light Helicopter led the formation, followed by two Cheetal helicopters.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who reached Drass on Saturday, attended the ‘Shraddhanjali Samaroh’ (wreath-laying ceremony) held at the Kargil War Memorial as the chief guest.
On Saturday evening, amidst rain, the Army organized ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ (an evening dedicated to valour) at the war memorial. The event honored the indomitable courage displayed by Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay in 1999 and paid tribute to the martyrs.
The Defence Minister also handed over a ceremonial ‘Kalash’ (urn) to the families of some of the Army personnel martyred in the Kargil conflict.
The Indian Army is organizing several events here to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay. This occasion brings to mind that magnificent victory of 1999, when Indian soldiers—braving snow-capped peaks and relentless enemy fire—recaptured the heights that had been occupied by Pakistani troops.
The limited conflict undertaken by India following the infiltration by Pakistan was named ‘Operation Vijay’. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 to commemorate the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay.
