India on Friday hailed the valour of its soldiers in the Kargil conflict 25 years ago, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi issuing a stern message to Pakistan, saying it has been trying to stay relevant by using terrorism and proxy wars but all such terror attempts will be crushed with full force.
“Falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by the truth in the 1999 war,” Modi stated, emphasising that Pakistan has not learned from its past mistakes.
“Today, I am speaking at a place from where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed,” he said, addressing the gathering which included India’s top military officials.
Condemning terrorism, Modi asserted that Pakistan has always faced defeat and reiterated that the evil intentions of terrorists would never be fulfilled. “Our bravehearts will trample all the terror attempts,” he added.
Paying tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil war, Modi remarked, “In Kargil, we not only won the war, we presented an incredible example of truth, restraint and strength.”
He underscored that Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the immortal sacrifices made for the nation. “The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces,” Modi said.
Various events were organised in states and at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras in Ladakh to mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, marking victory after a nearly three-month battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh. This day is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate India’s triumph over Pakistan.
President Droupadi Murmu said the Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion to pay tributes to the courage and extraordinary valour of the country’s armed forces.
“I pay tribute to each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting Mother India on the peaks of Kargil in 1999 and bow in reverence to their sacred memory. I am sure that all countrymen will draw inspiration from their sacrifice and valour. Jai Hind Jai Bharat!” she said in a post in Hindi on X.
A shepherd named Tashi Namgyal is believed to have reported the intrusion by Pakistani soldiers into Kargil on May 2, 1999. The Indian Army launched a fierce counter-assault, Operation Vijay, to push back the Pakistani forces that had stealthily occupied important heights in Ladakh. The war went on for nearly three months on the icy heights.
Reflecting on the Kargil war, Modi shared that he was fortunate to be with the soldiers during the conflict and praised their bravery in carrying out difficult operations at high altitudes. “I salute the brave sons of the country who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland,” he said.
Modi also highlighted India’s progress post the abrogation of Article 370, which will mark five years on August 5. “Today’s Jammu and Kashmir is talking about a new future full of dreams,” he said, citing examples of development, including G20 meetings held in the union territory. “This heaven on earth is swiftly moving in the direction of peace and prosperity,” he added.