As India celebrates 17th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the firmness demonstrated by the National Democratic Alliance government in 1999 ensured a decisive victory in Kargil as he saluted the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.
In a string of tweets, Modi said, "We recall with pride, the firmness demonstrated by India's political leadership in 1999, which ensured a decisive victory in Kargil."
"India will never forget the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers gave a befitting & unforgettable reply to the intruders," he tweeted.
The prime minister said, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas I bow to every valiant soldier who fought for India till the very last breath. Their heroic sacrifices inspire us."
The battle took place between India and Pakistan during May-July, 1999. The conflict was triggered after Pakistani soldiers managed to occupy key positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control in Kargil sector. It had officially come to an end on July 26, 1999.
The Chief of Northern Army Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda also paid homage to the martyrs of 'Operation Vijay' at the war memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Drass sector.
Celebrations to commemorate the victory of Indian troops over Pakistani intruders in the 1999 war, started with great fervour and enthusiasm under the aegis of Leh Corps on July 21.
Hooda was accompanied by General Officer Commanding of Ladakh-based Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen S K Patyal, the spokesman said, adding, he also interacted with the 'veer naaris' (wives of the slain soldiers), awardees and relatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Gen Hooda paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices and expressed his gratitude to the slain soldiers, their next of kins and wives.
A memorial service which included prayers by religious teachers and lighting of lamps was organised at the War memorial last evening.
The week long celebrations, ending Tuesday, included many events involving the local citizens, especially the youth and children from Drass and Kargil regions.
