President Kovind pays tributes to Kargil martyrs at war memorial in J&K

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday offered tributes to soldiers, including those who laid down their lives in Kargil War in 1999, at Dagger War Memorial in north Kashmir’s Baramulla. The President was scheduled attend a function at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, on the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas but that had to be cancelled owing to bad weather. The President was accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and Lieutenant General DP Pandey, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps. At the Dagger War Memorial, President Kovind said the nation salutes the soldiers and officers who safeguard the borders in the most hostile terrains under adverse weather conditions. “They have scripted exceptional stories of indomitable courage, bravery and sacrifice,” he said.

Meanwhile, the 22nd anniversary to celebrate the victory of 1999 Kargil war was held at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras. The army said the ceremony was held with chief guest RK Mathur, L-G of Ladakh, offering his tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath. The day marks the victory of Indian armed forces in Operation Vijay in 1999, when they evicted the infiltrators backed by Pakistani army from high outposts in Kargil sector. Prime Minister has said India can never forget the circumstances under which this Kargil war was fought. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday bowed to the indomitable valor and sacrifice of the Indian Army, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In his video message, Singh said, the victory achieved by the Indian Army in Kargil, in spite of difficult and unfavourable condition is incomparable.