Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

Every year, July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the success of the Indian Army against infiltrating Pakistani troops. On July 26, 1999, exactly 20 years ago this day, India not only emerged invictus in Kargil War against Pakistan but also witnessed the sacrifice of many soldiers who selflessly fought for the dignity of the country. Taking to Twitter, President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

The Kargil War took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

The Government of India responded with Operation Vijay, a mobilisation of 200,000 Indian troops.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

The Indian Army's first priority was to recapture peaks that were in the immediate vicinity of NH 1.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

As the operation was fully underway, about 250 artillery guns were brought in to clear the infiltrators in the posts that were in the line-of-sight.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: On 20th anniversary, nation pays tribute to bravehearts

The Indian Air Force was tasked to act jointly with ground troops on 25 May. The code name assigned to their role was Operation Safed Sagar.