Kargil (Ladakh), Jul 26: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday paid tributes to the valour of Indian soldiers on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Seth, along with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, participated in a padyatra in Drass, Kargil district, to remember the sacrifice of the people who lost their lives in the line of action during the 1999 war.
The union ministers, accompanied by locals and students, participated in the programme at the historic site of Kargil, which saw the conflict first hand when the area was captured by Pakistani forces in May 1999 and subsequently retaken, after the Indian Army launched Operation Bison.
“The country remembers the stupidity which Pakistan did on May 6, 1999. The entire country remembers on when India’s brave soldiers gave a fitting response to it. Be it a surgical strike, an air strike, or Operation Sindoor, the Indian army is no less than any other,” the Union MoS defence said.
“I also salute the soldiers who are on the borders, hundreds of kilometres away, protecting the tricolour and serving India. Today marks 26 years of Kargil Vijay, and I pay my respects to everyone who gave their all,” he added.
Seth further mentioned how the whole world was ‘bewildered’ with India’s using its indigenous weapons to give a befitting reply to the Pahalgam terror attack.
“During Operation Sindoor, India attacked Pakistan’s terror bases using its indigenous weapons, which is why the world is bewildered that Indian forces destroyed the intentions of Pakistan within a few minutes,” he mentioned.
The MoS Defence also highlighted the self-reliance of India’s defence industry, reiterating the government’s target of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore defence exports by 2029.
“India is no longer an importer, today, we are exporting defence weapons to nearly 92 countries. Remember those days? Our exports has been around Rs 30,622 crore, our target is to export Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 3 lakh crore in 2029. PM Modi’s vision is to make India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the Defence Minister provides motivation to the Indian army. We are now 75% Atmanirbhar,” he said.
The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post.
Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought at the Line of Control on the snow-clad peaks amid relentless enemy fire. On July 26, the Indian flag was once again soaring over the mountains of Ladakh due to the efforts of our armed forces.
During the war, 4 soldiers were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest gallantry award. 9 soldiers received the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and 55 were honoured with the Vir Chakra (VC). 1 soldier was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), while 6 received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and 8 were honoured with the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM). The Sena Medal (SM) was awarded to 83 personnel, and 24 received the Vayu Sena Medal (VSM). (Agencies)
