The whole nation on Sunday paid tributes to armed forces to mark the 21st anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying their valour continues to inspire generations.
The Kargil war was declared over on 26 July, 1999, after Indian soldiers pushed back Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country’s Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks in Kargil. The day is observed as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s victory.
The hashtag #CourageInKargil trended on social media after tens of thousands of users paid tributes to the real heroes. “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Their valour continues to inspire generations,” said Modi in a tweet. Later, iis monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address, which coincided with the 21st anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister also hit out at Pakistan for the conflict and said Islamabad responded to New Delhi’s hand of friendship by stabbing it in the back.
Kargil is the main town in the historical region of Purig, which consists of the Suru river basin. In 1999 the area saw infiltration by Pakistani forces, leading to the Kargil War.
Fighting occurred along a 160 km long stretch of ridges overlooking the only road linking Srinagar and Leh. The military outposts on the ridges above the highway were generally around 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) high, with a few as high as 5,485 metres (18,000 ft).
After several months of fighting and diplomatic activity, the Pakistani forces were forced to withdraw to their side of the Line of Control. The valour and might displayed by Indian forces in Kargil will be remembered forever.