Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 26: The anniversary of “Kargil Vijay Diwas” was commemorated by paying rich tributes to martyrs of Kargil war in an imposing wreath laying ceremony at “Balidan Stambh”, and “Tiger War Memorial”, Jammu today.
The wreaths were laid by Lt Gen YVK Mohan, General Officer Commanding, Rising Star Corps and Maj Gen Sanjay Singh, GOC, Tiger Division at the ‘eternal flame’, of the War Memorial. ‘Veer Naris’, kith and kin of martyrs, gallantry awardees of the Kargil War, senior Army officers, Army Veterans and Civilian dignitaries also paid homage to the martyrs. Among veterans, Hony Capt Bana Singh, PVC also paid tributes to the Martyrs. A Guard of Honour was also presented during the wreath laying ceremony.
The tributes were also paid to the martyrs at “Tiger War Memorial” by Lt Gen YVK Mohan, GOC, Rising Star Corps, Maj Gen Sanjay Singh, GOC, Tiger Division, NCC cadets and Army Veterans including Col Vir Shahi.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas” is celebrated every year on July 26 to commemorate India’s resounding victory over Pakistan during “OP VIJAY” in 1999. Kargil War is a testimony of the Indian Army’s grit and determination, wherein the Indian Army soldiers exhibited dauntless courage, resilience, valour and fought against all odds in bone chilling and blood freezing temperatures of the high altitude mountains in Kargil.
To commemorate the 19th Anniversary of the glorious victory over Pakistan during Operation Vijay at Kargil heights, a solemn wreath laying ceremony was held at the Warriors’ Grove of Crossed Swords Division today.
General Officer Commanding, along with officers and men of the Division paid homage and rich tribute to the gallant martyrs who made a supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation at the icy and treacherous heights in Kargil sector. The poignant ceremony was marked by the buglers playing the “Last Post”.
On the occasion, the GoC said that this day of remembrance is also an ode to the people of the great nation who stood by the soldiers and the Army all through the Kargil war. In his message to the troops, he exhorted all ranks to strive towards greater glory and success, with self belief and pride in their profession, the Indian Army and the Nation.
Reasi based Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) Headquarters, in a solemn ceremony held today, paid homage to the brave-hearts who laid down their lives fighting in the icy heights of Kargil during Operation Vijay.
On the occasion, the GOC, Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) paid homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the War Memorial in Reasi on behalf of all officers, JCOs and other ranks. In his message to the troops, the GOC exhorted all ranks to strive towards greater glory and success, with belief and pride in their profession.
State BJP president Ravinder Raina (MLA) along with senior leaders Rajeev Charak, Yudhvir Sethi, Brig (Retd), Anil Gupta and others also paid tributes to the martyrs of Kargil war in a function organised here today.
While paying tributes to the Kargil heroes, Raina said that on the eventful day of Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the success of Operation Vijay on July26, 1999, India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been illegally seized by the Pakistani intruders. He said that the indebted public of this great Nation pays tribute to all those who served the country during Operation Vijay. Courageous soldiers of India ensured that the borders remain protected and gave an apt reaction to those who tried to disturb the atmosphere of peace.
Brig (Retd.) Anil Gupta threw light on the supreme valour shown by the Indian Army-men during the hour of need. He said that the Indian Army is capable of thwarting any such act by any hostile force at any hour so the enemy must shun any such idea in future.
BJP District president Baldev Singh Billawaria, Dr Pardeep Mahotra, Mahila Morcha State president Rajni Sethi, BJYM State president Vikas Choudhary, Govind Sareen and others also paid their tributes to the Kargil Martyrs.
Later, State BJP chief along with other senior leaders also paid visit to the home of Kargil Martyr, Ajay Singh Jasrotia and met with his family members. Recognising the supreme sacrifice of by the soldier of Indian Army, state BJP chief presented tri-colour to the mother of martyr as token of respect.
Former minister and senior BJP leader Ch Lal Singh also paid rich tributes to Kargil martyrs in a function held at Akhnoor today. The programme was organised by Tanda Tigers Force porters where the participants commemorated the supreme sacrifices of 527 young soldiers and 7 civilians. Ch Lal Singh addressed the large gathering and recalled the sacrifices of the soldiers and specially the brave Dogra jawans from Jammu, Samba and Kathua belt.
KP Singh, president of the organisation besides KD Singh Jamwal, Col JP Singh, Dr Gopal Sharma, Narinder Singh, Dr H D Shishu, Prof Ashok Gupta, Col Karan Singh, Capt Jugal Gupta, Dr K C Bhagat and others also paid tributes.
To commemorate the victory of Indian Army in Kargil with Pakistan, the J&K Freedom Fighters’ Association (JKFFA) on Thursday organized an impressive function at Dogra Shaurya Sthal, Ampbhalla under the chairmanship of JKFFA president Ved Gandotra.
Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs and candles were lit in their honour. A two minutes silence was also observed.
NCP state president and former minister Th Randhir Singh along with his party members also paid special tributes to the Kargil Martyrs in a simple function organized at party office. Singh described major lapse of the then Vajpayee Govt and questioned the entry of Pak troops inside the LOC in Kargil sector.
NPP zonal president Neeraj Gupta and his team, Youth Congress leader Th Hoshiyar Singh and other youth leaders also paid tributes to the Kargil martyrs.
Meanwhile, Jammu Sanskriti School Kathua, Rich Harvest School Jammu, Mount Litera Zee School, Tarore; Welfare Society Guru Nanak Nagar and GC Accounts Institute, Moti Bazar, Jammu and All J&K Youth Federation led by Haroon Rashid also celebrated `Vijay Divas’ and paid tributes to Kargil Martyrs in different functions organized today.
Meanwhile, in a rare gesture of gratitude to the martyrs of Operation Vijay , Gaurav Gupta, secretary Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Global Bare-feet Marathon Runner laid a wreath at Balidan Stumbh, Bage-e-Bahu, Jammu in the evening.
Prominent among others who also attended the event included Maj Gen (Retd) GS Jamwal, Col J P Singh, Col Karan Singh, PS Pathania, Ajay Chandel and others. Gourav was given special permission by the Army to attend the ceremony being a prominent sportsperson.
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