Daijiworld Media Network – Drass

Drass, Jul 25: The nation on Friday paid glowing tributes to the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives while pushing back Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War in 1999, as the Indian Army honoured their families in a solemn ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma led the tribute by felicitating the next of kin of several martyrs, including officers and soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice 26 years ago. The two-day Vijay Diwas commemoration began with the hoisting of a majestic 70-feet national tricolour at Lamochen viewpoint, overlooking the Drass valley and key peaks reclaimed during the war.

Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, general officer commanding of the 14 Corps, honoured several martyr families at Lamochen. Later, at Sando Rear ground, the Indian Army showcased a spectacular display of advanced drone and tech-based warfare equipment, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in rugged terrains. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, the chief guest at the event, also felicitated kin of the fallen soldiers.

Marking 26 years of the historic victory, the Army is set to launch three new initiatives on Saturday:

• An ‘e-Shradhanjali’ portal enabling citizens to digitally pay tributes to martyrs.
• A QR-code-based audio app narrating untold stories from the 1999 conflict.
• A new Indus Viewpoint in the Batalik sector, offering civilians a glimpse of the Line of Control and the battlefield.

From humble beginnings, the Kargil War Memorial has grown into one of the country’s most revered monuments. The busts of eight national heroes — Maj Rajesh Adhikari, Maj Padmapani Acharya, Maj Vivek Gupta, Capt Vikram Batra, Capt Anuj Nayyar, Capt Keishing Clifford Nongrum, Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, and Lt Manoj Pandey — line the ‘Vijaypath’ leading up to the main memorial, where the national flag soars high.

Capt Batra and Lt Pandey were honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, while the others received the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. Adding to the legacy are the iconic Bofors and QF 25-Pounder guns, proudly displayed at the site in memory of their crucial role during the war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a tribute, but a call to remember the indomitable courage of India's armed forces who stood tall on the icy heights for the honour of the tricolour.