Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, July 12: The Army is preparing extensively to honour the martyrs of the Kargil War of 1999 in a series of solemn ceremonies this year. The primary event which shall mark the 16th anniversary of the victory is scheduled to be held at Kargil War Memorial LoC at Drass from 25th to 26th of this month. It will be attended by a large number of dignitaries of the Army and civil administration as well as gallantry award winners of the conflict and families of many martyrs.
The conflict was fought in the summer of 1999 to evict Pakistani regular forces who had intruded and occupied winter vacated posts on the Indian side of the Line of Control thereby violating an unwritten agreement. The operation cost the Indian Army hundreds of young lives, in whose memory the commemorative function is held every year.
As a run up to the event, a large number of competitions and events have been planned for the local population of the area who supported the operations whole heartedly risking their lives. Marathon race, painting, archery, tent pegging competitions and cultural shows have been planned from July 21 to 23. These events will culminate on July 24 with a ‘Military Tattoo’ show & prize distribution.
The celebrations at Kargil War Memorial will be held on July 25 and 26. On July 25, the Army Bands will present a breathtaking band display, followed by a solemn memorial service. On July 26, senior officers of the Army, martyrs’ families, war heroes, political representatives and the civil administration shall participate in the commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial located at the base of the Tololing feature, the scene of one of the fieriest battles of the operation.
The event is a purposeful attempt by the Army every year to remember its martyrs and solemnly honour their memories and to remind the nation of the constant sacrifices the men and women in uniform make for the citizens of India.
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