Drass War memorial has been decorated for the celebrations of 21years of victory in 1999 Kargil War. Due to Covid 19 Pandemic the celebrations this year are scaled down in magnanimity. Usually, the celebrations run for three days starting from 24th July, have been limited to a single day.
However, several events relating to Kargil Vijay Diwas annually have already been cancelled which includes the most popular Captain Sourabh Kalia cricket Cup, due to the pandemic in the region. This year only wreath lying ceremony will take place, at Drass War Memorial.
However, the celebrations are going to be special on its own. A Senior Army officer in northern region, Lt Gen YK Joshi, a Veer Chakra awardee, was a Commanding Officer in Operation Vijay in 1999. YK Joshi himself led several assault operations, to push the enemy back from Indian territory.
The very Commanding Officer who led the Operation Vijay today attending the 21st anniversary as Chief Guest itself is a special occasion and inspiring for the forces in Ladakh region.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid tributes to the martyred heroes of the Kargil war who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In a tweet, Mr Naidu said, the grateful nation will always remember their patriotism and valour.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday paid tributes to the fallen soldiers who fought valiantly during Kargil War at National War Memorial today. Mr Singh along with Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria laid wreaths at the National War Memorial and saluted the Martyrs.