Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 to honor the brave soldiers as part of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.
The Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, was established by the Indian Army to commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. Located in Dras, in the Kargil district of Ladakh, the memorial is situated near the Line of Control (LoC), which forms the border between India and Pakistan.
On X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi characterized the day as a momentous occasion for every Indian. “It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes.”
Tomorrow, 26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes. Work will also commence for the Shinkun…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2024
PM Modi also announced the initiation of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, aimed at enhancing year-round connectivity to Leh, especially during severe winters. This ambitious project involves constructing a 4.1 km twin-tube tunnel at approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road.
READ MORE: Unsung Heroes Of Kargil: The Valor And Legacy Of The Naga Regiment
Once completed, the tunnel will stand as the highest altitude tunnel globally, facilitating rapid and efficient movement of military personnel and equipment across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India’s border with China. Additionally, it is expected to drive economic and social growth in Ladakh.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized that the sacrifices made by soldiers during the 1999 Kargil war would “not go in vain.” He stated that their legacy will continue to inspire both future military personnel and the nation’s youth, according to a statement from the defence ministry.
The general highlighted that the tri-services are on the brink of significant reforms, affecting organizational, structural, conceptual, and cultural aspects. “The underlying aim of these reforms is to improve fighting efficiency and keep the armed forces battle-ready at all times. We must be prepared to shed obsolete practices and adopt new ones. The shape and contour of reforms must reflect the uniqueness of the Indian environment and challenges,” the top officer added.
