12 years on, remembering Kargil Heroes!
Patriotism filled the air as the troops sounded the last post here on Thursday to remember the fallen heroes of the Kargil war. It was on this day in 1999 when the Kargil war officially came to an end after the Indian Army drove out the Pakistani Army and recaptured the mountain peaks and heights in Kargil and Drass sub-sectors in the Ladakh division. Fought on one of the most difficult and inhospitable terrains, the war claimed the lives of 527 soldiers, while 1,360 others were injured. Kargil was the closest to an India Pakistan war for those born after the formation of Bangladesh. A grand function was held in Drass to pay rich tributes to the martyrs to mark the 13th anniversary of ‘Operation Vijay’.
The occasion was used by the armed forces to renew the pledge to safeguard the honor and territorial integrity of the nation with steely resolve. The proceedings of the day began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Operation Vijay War Memorial by Lieutenant Gen KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, and northern command. Wreaths were also laid by the retired officers, gallantry award winners as well as family members of the martyrs. Let's take a moment to salute the brave heroes of Indian armed forces who risked it all to reclaim a vital part of India back from Pakistan occupation. Also, put in a line or two paying your homage to their heroics that helped India continue its quest to growth, poverty eradication, stability etc. I hope, intelligence agencies & politicians work together to avoid another Kargil in the future! - Parimita Barik
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