Kargil Vijay Diwas: President Murmu, PM Modi extend tributes, says ‘symbol of extraordinary valor’

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid her tribute to soldiers who fought the 1999 war with Pakistan on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Calling the day a ‘symbol of extraordinary valor’, the President, who took office a day ago, said she “bows down” to all the “brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Mother India.” She further said that all the countrymen will be “indebted to the soldiers and their family members”.

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of the extraordinary valour, might and determination of our armed forces. I bow to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Mother India. All the countrymen will always be indebted to him and his family members. Jai Hind!,” Murmu wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Kargil Vijay Diwas is a ‘symbol of pride and glory’. PM Modi further said that he “salutes all brave sons of the country”.

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory of Maa Bharati. On this occasion, my salute to all the brave sons of the country who have accomplished their valor in the defense of the motherland. Jai Hind!,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.

Several events are being held across the country to mark the day. The Indian Army held a wreath-laying ceremony at Balidan Stambh in Jammu to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to commemorate the war that was fought between May 8, 1999, and July 26, 1999, against Pakistan intruders, who in the winters of 1998 had entered the Indian territory across the Line of Control and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil’s Drass and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh region with an aim of dominating all military and civil movements.

Every year, the Prime Minister pays homage to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi on this day. Several functions are also held across the country to celebrate the Indian Army’s contribution to the country.

With this year marking the 23rd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a large number of events are being held from July 24 to July 26 at the Kargil War memorial.