On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, India commemorated the valor of its soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War while also marking a significant advancement in its infrastructure with the Shinkun La Tunnel Project.
The day began with heartfelt tributes to the soldiers who fought bravely in the Kargil War. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, paid their respects at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. The Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates Operation Vijay, during which Indian forces successfully reclaimed key positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been occupied by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.
In New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered his respects at the National War Memorial, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the soldiers during the conflict. Singh praised their “unwavering commitment, valour, and patriotism,” highlighting the significance of their contribution to India’s safety and security.
President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to the soldiers, emphasizing their “courage and extraordinary valour.” In a post on X, she urged the nation to draw inspiration from their sacrifice, saying, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion for a grateful nation to pay tribute to the indomitable courage and extraordinary valour of our armed forces.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, describing Kargil Vijay Diwas as a testament to the soldiers’ bravery. He noted that the soldiers displayed “ultimate valour” in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas, forcing the enemy to retreat and making the nation proud.
Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar also honored the soldiers’ dedication, calling their legacy a “guiding light for all Indians.”
In a significant infrastructure development, Prime Minister Modi will virtually oversee the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This ambitious project involves the construction of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road. Once completed, the Shinkun La Tunnel will be the highest tunnel in the world, aimed at providing all-weather connectivity to Leh.
The project is expected to enhance the movement of armed forces and equipment, contributing to both national security and regional economic development. It will facilitate swift transportation across the challenging terrain of Ladakh, fostering economic and social growth in the region.
Families of the fallen soldiers gathered to honor their loved ones’ bravery. Madhubala, the widow of Kargil hero Vinod Kumar, shared her pride, saying, “I feel very good to be here and feel proud.” Rajender Kumar, elder brother of Kargil hero Bejender Kumar, expressed his pride in his brother’s sacrifice, stating, “We remember him every day.”
Prashanti, the wife of Group Captain K. Nachiketa Rao, who was captured by Pakistani forces and later repatriated, recalled the daily prayers for his return. She reflected on her pride in his bravery, noting, “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.”
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