Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas and pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 conflict.
Tribute at the Kargil War Memorial:
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras at around 9:20 AM to honor the fallen heroes. Security arrangements have been meticulously planned to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the event.
Key Events and Projects:
In addition to paying homage, PM Modi will virtually initiate the first blast for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. According to an official release, this project involves constructing a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road. Once completed, this will be the highest tunnel in the world, facilitating all-weather connectivity to Leh. The Shinkun La tunnel is expected to significantly enhance the movement of armed forces and equipment while promoting economic and social development in Ladakh.
Remembering the Bravehearts:
As India celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, families of the soldiers who fought in the 1999 war reflect on their bravery and dedication. Madhubala, the widow of Kargil hero Vinod Kumar, shared, “On May 18, 1997, we got married and on June 14, 1999, he lost his life. I feel very good to be here and feel proud.”
READ MORE: PM Narendra Modi To Honor Heroes At Kargil War Memorial Today
Rajender Kumar, the elder brother of Kargil hero Bejender Kumar, expressed his pride, saying, “I feel so proud; he died for the country. We remember him every day.”
Prashanti, the wife of Kargil hero Group Captain K Nachiketa Rao, recalled her anxiety and relief during the war. Rao, a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, was captured by Pakistani forces before being handed back to India. “I feel very proud. The bravery and courage he had shown. We were not married at the time of the war. We married after two years of it. Like all the other countrymen, we used to pray every day for his repatriation (from Pakistan). We feel proud as there are very few people who get such a chance to show such bravery and then get to come back and live to tell those tales,” she said.
Significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas:
Observed annually on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the successful culmination of Operation Vijay in 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces recaptured strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.
READ MORE: Unsung Heroes Of Kargil: The Valor And Legacy Of The Naga Regiment
