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This article was first published 10 years ago

15 years after Kargil War, it's pride and pain for Mother India

July 26, 2014 10:53 IST

Image: Relatives of Indian soldiers killed in a war with Pakistan pray in front a war memorial during 'Vijay Diwas' celebrations in Drass 1
Photographs: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters Sheikh Suhail in Drass

The day on which the nation commemorates its hard-earned victory in the Kargil War is also an occasion that invokes feelings of both pain and pride for the families of the brave jawans who laid down their lives protecting the territory of India from intruders.

As the country celebrates the 15th anniversary of its triumph in Kargil War, both the jawans and the families of those killed in the conflict have come a long way.

The families of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country make it a point to visit the war memorial here each year on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. They remember their loved ones with pride, but the feelings of sadness have not waned.

"This place and this day remind us of those bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the country. My son was one of them. I am sad that I lost my son but, at the same time, there is a feeling of pride that he laid down his life for the country," said Col VN Thapar, father of Captain Vijyant Thapar, who was martyred while leading an attack of the 2 Rajputana Rifles at Tololing.

15 years after Kargil War, it's pride and pain for Mother India

Image: Senior Indian army officers look at a wall with names of killed colleagues as soldiers stand under their regimental flags during during 'Vijay Diwas' celebrations in Drass
Photographs: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters Sheikh Suhail

Fifteen years and many peace overtures later, the situation on the Line of Control and the border has not changed much. The troops on the other side occasionally open fire at Indian posts, thereby violating the ceasefire agreed between India and Pakistan in 2003.

The army says it has not let its guard down and the jawans add that they are motivated and ready for any challenge.

"We are always ready for any challenge. We have the capability of giving a fitting reply to the enemy," said M K Salam, a jawan. He said that Vijay Diwas makes the jawans remember the supreme sacrifices of their fellow soldiers and infuses them with a new vigour.

"Seeing the respect given to martyred jawans, we get inspired and filled with a renewed sense of doing something for the country," he said.

15 years after Kargil War, it's pride and pain for Mother India

Image: Army officers pay tribute at the war memorial in Drass on Friday
Photographs: Umar Ganie

The two-day event to mark Vijay Diwas and commemorate the martyrdom of the jawans was kicked off by Army Chief General Bikram Singh, who offered floral tributes at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on Friday. Many current and former top army officers also laid floral wreaths at the memorial.

That was followed by a memorial service and a visit to the 'Hut of Remembrance', a museum which has been constructed adjacent to the war memorial.

The celebrations of the 15th anniversary began with the lighting of lamps and a prayer service, which was followed by the traditional Pipe Band and Static Band display as well as the Beating Retreat.

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