PHOTOS: India remembers Kargil war heroes

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.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar along with the Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Naval Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Chief of the Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI

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.

IMAGE: Manohar Parrikar and Defence Forces Chiefs salute martyrs. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI

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."

IMAGE: Jawans pay homage to Kargil war martyrs in Patna. Photograph: PTI

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.

IMAGE: School students celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas in Jalandhar. Photograph: PTI

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.

IMAGE: Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sand art to salute brave soldiers. Photograph: Sudarsan Pattnaik /Twitter

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.

IMAGE: Army Commander, Northern Command Lt Gen D S Hooda pays tributes at the Kargil war memorial at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: PTI

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.

IMAGE: School students celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas in Bikaner. Photograph: PTI

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.

IMAGE: Kargil war martyr Ganesh's family members pay homage to the martyrs at Kargil Chowk in Patna. Photograph: PTI

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.