Neha BaruahIndia observes Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on July 26 to honor the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil Conflict. On the 25th anniversary in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, to pay tribute to the martyrs.
Background of the Kargil Conflict
India and Pakistan fought a fierce war called the Kargil War from May 8, 1999, to July 26, 1999. The war was a turning point in India’s military history, and it ended with the successful execution of Operation Vijay. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee led India, while Nawaz Sharif was at the helm in Pakistan.
Origins of the Conflict
In late 1998 and early 1999, Pakistani troops infiltrated India under the guise of mujahideen. They occupied strategic positions along the Line of Control (LoC), exploiting the challenges Indian forces faced in maintaining high-altitude posts during winter.
Importance of Kargil Vijay Diwas
Kargil Vijay Diwas has been celebrated annually on July 26 since 1999. It is a day to honor the bravery of Indian troops, boost national pride, and commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by the armed forces.
Post-War Recommendations
After the war, the Kargil Review Committee, led by K. Subramanyam, investigated the conflict’s causes and proposed measures to prevent future occurrences. One key recommendation was to lower the average age of soldiers in the Armed Forces to enhance their readiness and effectiveness in battle.
Details of Operation Vijay
Operation Vijay was India’s military campaign in 1999 to reclaim the Kargil district from Pakistani soldiers and militants. Significant as India’s first high-altitude warfare since WWII, the operation lasted around 60 days, from May to July 1999. Approximately 527 Indian soldiers were killed, and over 1,300 were wounded. The operation led to the establishment of the Kargil War Memorial and spurred improvements in India’s military capabilities, especially in high-altitude warfare and surveillance.
Neha Baruah
