Kargil martyrs remembered on Vijay Diwas

Srinagar, July 26 (IANS) A solemn ceremony was held at the Chinar Corps headquarters here Thursday to commemorate the heroes of the 1999 Kargil conflict on the 13th anniversary of the battle between India and Pakistan.

General Officer Commanding of Chinar Corps, Lt. Gen. Om Prakash laid wreaths at the War Memorial in the Badami Bagh Cantonment and paid rich tributes to the gallant martyrs of "Operation Vijay", said a defence spokesman.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 in honour of Kargil war heroes.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the function, Lt. Gen. Om Prakash said the Indian army is one of the best in the world and is fully capable of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

The Indian army today is better prepared to meet all kinds of challenges, he added.

"In 1999, Pakistan, frustrated in their attempt to gain Kashmir with the help of a 'Proxy War', decided to intrude militarily through the gaps in the Kargil Sector and occupied dominating heights overlooking the strategic Srinagar-Leh Highway. To evict the Pakistani intruders, 'Operation Vijay' was launched on May 8, 1999," said a defence statement.

"With great determination and grit, army troops operated gallantly and captured peak by peak. By the last week of July 1999, Pakistani intruders were evicted completely from Drass and Batalik sectors, thereby restoring the sanctity of the Line of Control and national honour. The conflict terminated as a resounding military and diplomatic victory for India and a humiliating setback for Pakistan.

"In all 527 soldiers from the Indian armed forces sacrificed their lives during 'Operation Vijay'. Among other awards for their gallantry acts, four soldiers were awarded Param Vir Chakra, eight were awarded Maha Vir Chakra and 51 were awarded Vir Chakra," said the statement.