AMN / New Delhi
President Ram Nath Kovind today expressed ‘gratitude’ to the armed forces personnel on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. “Kargil Vijay Diwas: Nation’s gratitude to the brave men & women of armed forces who keep our country safe & secure,” he said in a tweet.
In another tweet, Mr Kovind condoled casualties of many “due to heavy rains and floods in Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan and other states”.
The nation “stands by” families of the affected, he said.
INDIA celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas today
The country is celebrating the 18th Anniversary of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ today. On the occasion, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and three Chiefs of Services laid floral tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate.
At Drass War memorial, in Jammu and Kashmir the celebrations were started on Monday during which various programs have been arranged. Last Sunday Kargil Prakram Rally has been organized at India Gate ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas to recall the valor of the brave soldiers and their sacrifices which got country back the Kargil heights.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated on 26th July, commemorates India’s emphatic victory against Pakistan and honours the war heroes. On this day in 1999, the Indian Army successfully took control of posts at a treacherous high altitude and glaciated terrain across the Himalayas in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, after fighting for 60 days.
More than 500 soldiers from Indian Armed Forces sacrificed their lives during the war. Four Param Vir Chakras, nine Maha Vir Chakras, 53 Vir Chakras and other medals had been awarded to felicitate the Kargil War heroes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the brave soldiers who fought gallantly during the Kargil War. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of India’s military prowess and the great sacrifices our armed forces make while steadfastly keeping India safe.