Latest news with #KargilWarMemorial
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Op Sindoor clear message to Pak: Army chief warns terror supporters of decisive strikes
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said that the surgical strikes carried out during Operation Sindoor were a clear message to Pakistan that supporters of terrorism will not be spared. Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi pays tribute at the Kargil War Memorial on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, at Drass, on Saturday. (PTI) The Army chief said that forces carried out successful, precise operations against terror infrastructure in Pakistan without any civilian harm and successfully neutralised their response. In his keynote address on the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Drass, the Army chief said that the Army targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and secured a decisive victory, and said the Operation Sindoor was continuation of Operation Vijay of 1999 in Kargil war. 'We gave peace a chance but in its response Pakistan showed cowardliness. Operation Sindoor was our response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. This time we decided to deliver a strong response with a resolve. We didn't only mourn the Pahalgam terror attack but gave a strong and forceful response.' He said that during the night of May 6 and 7, the Army attacked nine high value terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Jammu and Kashmir without harming innocent civilians. 'It was a clear message that backers of terrorism won't be spared,' he said. He said that the response of Pakistan was neutralised and given a strong reply. 'Our army, airforce and naval force, NGOs, civil departments acted jointly and stood like a firm wall and the drones and missiles of Pakistan couldn't breach the wall,' he said, adding that the response of India was strong and decisive. General Upendra Dwivedi also paid heartfelt tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Kargil War and lauded their unwavering courage and sacrifice. He said that the Army's historic victory in 1999 is repetition of national sovereignty during recent Operation Sindoor. He said that India seeks peace but will respond decisively to provocation. The Army chief also outlined the Army's transformation into a future-ready force through 'Rudra' all arms brigades, 'Bhairav' light commando battalions, 'Shaktibaan' artillery regiments and 'Divyastra' batteries, drone-equipped infantry battalions, and indigenous air defence systems. He also praised the Army's role in national building, especially in border infrastructure, tourism, economy and veteran welfare affirming the soldier's enduring role in building Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Army Chief warns terror supporters, reaffirms India's resolve to protect sovereignty
Drass (Ladakh): Marking the 26th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said that continuing the legacy of Operation Vijay, the Indian Armed Forces once again thwarted Pakistan's aggressive military actions, sending a strong and clear message that those who support and facilitate terrorism will not be spared. Speaking at a commemorative ceremony held at Drass in Ladakh to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, General Dwivedi paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War while defending the nation's sovereignty. Addressing the gathering, he said, "Today, I feel extremely proud and emotional to be standing on this sacred battlefield of Drass where our valiant soldiers gave their supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. I feel honoured on this auspicious occasion, remembering those immortal martyrs and commemorating the 26th anniversary of the historic victory over the evil designs of Pakistan. This is the fourth consecutive time that I am being honoured in this auspicious event of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Kargil War Memorial -- twice as Northern Army Commander and now as the Chief of Army Staff." He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the parents, Veer Naris, and the families of the fallen heroes of the Kargil War. "You gave the country your bravehearts; your courage, patience and sacrifice are an inspiration for all of us. Today, the whole country pays tribute to your incomparable sacrifice and unwavering patriotism," he said. Recalling key developments from 2024, General Dwivedi highlighted the commencement of construction work on the Shinku La tunnel during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said it was a matter of pride that Kargil Vijay Diwas had evolved beyond a military event and had become a nationwide celebration. "Today we stand under the towers of Tololing, Tiger Hill and Point 4875, and we remember not only that war but also the spirit shown by those warriors. We remember the determination in their eyes, the indomitable courage with which they overcame every difficulty. We remember the cry, the warning, the vow that came out of the mouth of every warrior. We pay our respects to those brave heroes who sacrificed their lives so that we could live a life of peace with dignity," he said. Reflecting on the 1999 conflict, the Army Chief said, "In the year 1999, the Indian Army achieved an unprecedented victory on the high peaks of Kargil under Operation Vijay. In that war, the Indian Army drove out the Pakistani soldiers and infiltrators sitting on these high hills and made the Indian Army hoist the flag on these snowy mountains. This was the moment when India made it clear that no evil intention will be allowed inside its borders, no harm will be done to the unity and integrity of India." General Dwivedi further emphasised that this tradition of unwavering resolve continued during the recent Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Army, with the same courage and determination, decisively targeted Pakistan-backed terrorist infrastructure while effectively neutralising other hostile actions from across the border. "Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and answer," he stated. Referring to the terror attack in Pahalgam, he said, "The cowardly attack by the terrorists in Pahalgam was a deep blow to the entire country. However, this time India did not express any doubt, but the decision of the government was that the answer would be decisive. With the unwavering trust of the countrymen and the strategic freedom granted by the Government, the Indian Service gave a determined, precise and decisive response." He revealed that the Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine high-value terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the night of May 6–7. "We hit the targets without causing any harm to any innocent civilians. It was a clear message that those who support terrorism will no longer be spared," the Army Chief added. He also spoke about how the Armed Forces responded to Pakistan's military actions between May 7 and 9. "Our Army Air Defence stood like an invincible wall -- which neither fear nor hatred could distinguish. All this happened under a Whole-of-Nation Approach where the Army, Air Force, Navy and other government departments stood together," he said. "All forces that are trying to undermine the sovereignty, integrity or public interest of India have been given a befitting reply, and will continue to be given," he asserted. The Army Chief underlined the Indian Army's evolution into a modern and future-ready force. He spoke about the formation of all-arms brigades named 'Rudra' that integrate various combat units such as infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial systems, along with specially designed logistics and combat support systems. "In the same sequence, agile and lethal special forces units have been formed in the form of 'Bhairav' Light Commando Battalions, which are ready to surprise the enemy on the borders. Drone Platoons have been set up in every infantry battalion, and the artillery has been provided with 'Divyastra batteries' and Loiter Munition Batteries to enhance the firepower manifold. The Army Air Defence is being equipped with indigenous missile systems," General Dwivedi said. He stressed that the Indian Army is fully prepared to help realise the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 -- the centenary of India's independence. "Our biggest strength in this nation-building is our huge service family. There are about 1.3 crore soldiers in the community. This includes serving soldiers, their families, veterans, and families of martyred soldiers," he said. Citing Ladakh as an example, the Army Chief said that thousands of soldiers and many veterans live in the region and that the Army not only defends the country but also plays a significant role in national development, particularly in border areas. "In Ladakh itself, several dual-use infrastructure roads, bridges and networks are being developed to ensure basic amenities for both the services and local citizens," he said. He highlighted development efforts under the Vibrant Village Programme and added that to promote border tourism, initiatives in battlefield, spiritual, ecological, heritage and adventure tourism are being undertaken, creating employment for local youth. "The Army is making the Indian youth self-reliant by training them in tour guiding, mountaineering and adventure sports. Under the Smart Borders initiative, the Army's communication towers are being used to provide a mobile network in Ladakh and other remote areas. The Army is playing an important role in relief and rescue operations during natural calamities," he said. Addressing veterans, General Dwivedi said, "Our veterans -- your sacrifice is our foundation. Though today your passion and dedication to the nation remain as invaluable as ever, you are not only the bearers of our glorious legacy of service, but also an important pillar of nation-building. I would like to tell the young cadets and students that today is not just a historical memory; it is a call for nation-building. Serve your country with honesty, purity and patriotism, be it in the form of service, science, education, medicine or entrepreneurship." "For us, Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a memory, it is a vow to fight till our last breath to protect the sovereignty, integrity and honour of India. We are peaceful, but not weak. We are determined, vigilant and steadfast. Our martyrs are our inspiration. We will carry forward the legacy of our heroes. Let us pledge together today that we will make India safe, 'Shashakt' (strong) and 'Viksit' (developed)," the Army Chief concluded.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Celebrating 26 Years of Courage with Iconic & Rare Pictures
photoDetails english 2937160 Updated:Jul 26, 2025, 12:26 PM IST What is Kargil Vijay Diwas? 1 / 7 Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26, marks India's 1999 victory over Pakistan, honouring soldiers' bravery in South Asia's first major military conflict between two nuclear-armed nations. Background 2 / 7 In winter 1998-99, Pakistani forces covertly occupied key positions across the LOC in Kargil. India responded with Operation Vijay, deploying 200,000 troops to reclaim the area in summer 1999. Kargil War Memorial 3 / 7 The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, built in 2000 and renovated in 2014, honours Operation Vijay's success. The National War Memorial was inaugurated in 2019 to honour all Indian soldiers. 4 / 7 5 / 7 6 / 7 7 / 7
Mint
5 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: ‘Maa tujhe salaam' tributes pour in for 1999 war heroes at Drass memorial
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: 'Maa tujhe salaam' tributes pour in for 1999 war heroes at Drass memorial | In Pics 17 Photos . Updated: 26 Jul 2025, 11:06 AM IST Share Via The Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war. Pakistani forces had stealthily occupied strategic positions in the mountains in Kargil, aiming to sever the transport link between Kashmir and Ladakh. 1/17Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to the Kargil War martyrs at the National War Memorial on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, in New Delhi (PTI) 2/17Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt. General N.S. Raja Subramani, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh at the National War Memorial (PTI) 3/17Indian Air Force pays tribute to the Kargil War heroes with a fly past on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas (IAF) 4/17Indian Air Force shares 'Maa tujhe salaam' tribute to the Kargil War heroes with a montage of photos from the 1999 pictures on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas 5/17Indian Air Force shares 'Maa tujhe salaam' tribute to the Kargil War heroes with a montage of photos from the 1999 pictures on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas (IAF) 6/17Indian Air Force shares 'Maa tujhe salaam' tribute to the Kargil War heroes with a montage of photos from the 1999 pictures on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas 7/17Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi pays tribute at the Kargil War Memorial on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, at Drass in Kargil. (PTI) 8/17Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya pays tribute at the Kargil War Memorial (PTI) 9/17Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta pays tribute at the Kargil War Memorial (PTI) 10/17Family members of the 1999 Kargil war martyrs during a flag hoisting ceremony at Lamochen viewpoint (PTI) 11/17Kargil War Memorial (PTI) 12/17Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya meets the family members of the heroes of 1999 Kargil War (Mansukh Mandviya - X) 13/17Artists perform during a ceremony organised as part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration (PTI) 14/17A Sikh regiment from the 8th Mountain Division, dressed in traditional attire, showcased their skills during an event organised on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas. (@SethSanjayMP) 15/17Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 celebrations at Kargil War Memorial (PTI) 16/17Kargil War Memorial (PTI)
United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Bravehearts will continue to inspire: PM Modi on Kargil Vijay Diwas
New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War, calling the day a reminder of the unparalleled courage and indomitable spirit of India's heroes who defended the nation's honour at the highest altitudes. 'Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!' the Prime Minister posted on X. As the nation marks the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, citizens across India come together to remember and honour the valiant soldiers who reclaimed the heights of Kargil in 1999 with unmatched courage and determination. This solemn day commemorates the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, when Indian forces drove out Pakistani intruders from strategic peaks in the Kargil sector, reaffirming the nation's sovereignty. The conflict began in May 1999, when Pakistani soldiers crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian positions with the objective of severing National Highway 1A — the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh. In response, India launched a meticulously planned military campaign, marked by fierce high-altitude battles fought in treacherous terrain and sub-zero conditions. Landmarks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 became symbols of sacrifice, etched forever in the national memory. Heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra, Major Rajesh Adhikari, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar emerged as icons of Indian valour. The war ended on July 26, 1999, with India regaining control of all infiltrated positions, without crossing the Line of Control — demonstrating remarkable military restraint and earning international respect. The victory came at a heavy price: 545 soldiers were martyred, and over a thousand wounded, but the resolve of the nation only grew stronger. Each name now carved on the walls of the Kargil War Memorial at Dras is a reminder of that price as well as pride. UNI AAB PRS
