REMEMBERING Kargil martyrs on 14th Anniversary

Delhi, July 26, 2013:  Today, nation pays tributes to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the heroism displayed by the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Indo-Pak war in Kargil in 1999. On this day,  Defence Minister A K Antony and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force paid tributes to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti here.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the success of Operation Vijay. On this day, 26 July 1999, India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistani intruders. The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days, ended on 26 July and resulted in the loss of life on both sides, India and Pakistan. Pakistan retreated after international diplomatic pressure.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26 July every year in honour of the Kargil War's Heroes. This day is celebrated in the Kargil - Dras Sector and the national capital New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India, pays homage to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyothi at India Gate every year. Functions are also organised all over the nation to commemorate the contribution of the Armed forces.

The Kargil war, which began in May 1999, lasted more than two months before Pakistan soldiers withdrew from the mountain tops they had occupied overlooking the Srinagar-Leh highway.

In the battle with Pakistani forces, the Army nearly lost 500 officers, soldiers and jawans, many of whom were posthumously felicitated with gallantry awards.

Civilians on the occasion of the 14th Vijay Diwas pay tribute to the martyrs at War Memorial, Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) on Friday.

City Air News photo: Shyam Sharma, Dharamsala.