“Either I’ll come back after hoisting the Tricolor, or I’ll come back wrapped in it.” Saying so, they set out for Kargil to launch Operation Vijay. The Indian Army’s Operation Vijay was a battle for life and death, a battle against Pakistan to evacuate Kargil district in Kashmir. Alas, they kept their promise! Over 1000 soldiers returned home after hoisting the Indian national flag on ‘Point 4660’ Tiger Hill. The remaining 527 soldiers came back, wrapped in the Indian Tricolor.
On 26th July 1999, India successfully recaptured the highest outposts on the Indian side of the LoC (Line of Control). It had lost it to the Pakistani intruders earlier. That day onwards, the Indians celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year. #KargilVijayDiwas celebrates the success of Operation Vijay, a success that costs us the lives of countless brave soldiers.
Vijay Diwas is proud, but a sad moment for every Indian. The day reminds us of painful memories of the Indo-Pakistan war. The memory of recapturing every inch of the formidable mountain, the memory of unflinching commitment and valiant sacrifice for the nation… Nearly 18 years later since the happening, PM Narendra Modi paid his tribute to Indian soldiers on Twitter today.
Remembering our brave soldiers who fought gallantly for the pride of our nation & the security of our citizens during the Kargil War.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2017
Besides war casualties, the killings of Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Sourabh Kalia, and his troop were the worst losses for India. Batra codenamed ‘Sher Shah’ died at the age of 25. The Param Vir Chakra winner was known for his battle signal Yeh Dil Maange More. On the other hand, Captain Sourabh Kalia and his troop (comprising of five soldiers) were captured by Pakistan. They were brutally tortured by the enemy side and their badly mutilated bodies were handed over to India.
India lost some of its most precious gems on Kargil Vijay Diwas. It includes Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, Captain Vijyant Thapar, Major Padmapani Acharya, Capt. N. Kenguruse, Capt. Anuj Nayyar, Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia, and Captain Jerry Premraj.
Although it has been a long time since the Kargil war, the unending ceasefire violations along the borders and illegal encroachment have deepened the fissures between the neighboring countries. We pray for the peace of Kargil war heroes and their families. May their souls rest in peace. May the country never see a reoccurrence of the Kargil War ever.
