Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26th each year in India to commemorate the success of "Operation Vijay," which led to the victorious conclusion of the Kargil War in 1999. The day honors the valor, sacrifice, and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces, who played a crucial role in recapturing the high-altitude positions in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani infiltrators.
Background of Kargil War
Operation Vijay: This was the codename for the Indian military operation that led to the successful eviction of Pakistani forces from the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil.
Kargil War (May-July 1999): The conflict began when Pakistani soldiers and militants were found to have infiltrated the Indian side of the LoC. The war lasted for nearly three months and was fought in extremely challenging terrain, with battles occurring at altitudes of over 18,000 feet.
Indian Army bravely fought the war launching Operation Vijay and later on was also supported by Indian Air Force and recaptured most of the infiltrated site. Finally, in July, Pakistani troops surrendered and withdrew from the positions along LOC. Pakistan was highly criticized for its military activities from the United Nations and other superpowers like the USA and UK.
Significance
- Honor and Remembrance: Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked by ceremonies across India, including at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, near the site of the conflict, where leaders, military personnel, and citizens pay homage to the fallen soldiers.
- National Unity: The day serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Indian nation and the unity that was displayed during the conflict.
About 527 soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces lost their lives during the war. Four Param Vir Chakras and 11 Maha Vir Chakras were awarded. Captain Vikram Batra of 13 JAK Rifles, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles received Param Vir Chakras posthumously while Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav of 18 Grenadiers and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of 13 JAK Rifles were the living recipient of this award.
Aftermath
Soon after the war, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government set up the Kargil Review Committee to look into the matters relating to the alleged intelligence failure and other issues relating to this War. Pakistan suffered not just on the military front but also political front. Soon after the war, public opinion in Pakistan grew against the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his policies. He was ousted from the government in a coup orchestrated by then General Pervez Musharraf who seized the control of the civilian government.
Observances
- Wreath-Laying Ceremonies: These are held at war memorials, especially at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
- Cultural Programs and Parades: Various events, including parades, exhibitions, and cultural programs, are organized to honor the soldiers.
- Media Coverage: Documentaries, movies, and discussions related to the Kargil War are often broadcast on this day to educate and remind the public of the sacrifices made.
To Pay Tributes to the martyrs of Kargil War Click here