New Delhi, July 26 . Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid solemn tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, describing their sacrifice as a “golden chapter of valour in India’s history” that will continue to inspire generations.
Remembering the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces, leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Malikarjun Kharge wrote on X, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations.”
Saluting the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of brave soldiers, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said, “On this Kargil Vijay Divas we salute the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers who etched a golden chapter of valour in India’s history. Their legacy lives on, inspiring generations to serve with pride and honour.”
Kargil Vijay Divas is observed every year on 26 July to mark the successful completion of Operation Vijay in which Indian armed forces recaptured key strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani soldiers who had infiltrated disguised as militants. The war, which lasted over 60 days, ended in a decisive victory for India.
The conflict began in May 1999 when Pakistani soldiers crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian positions with the objective of severing National Highway 1A—the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh. In response, India launched a meticulously planned military campaign marked by fierce high-altitude battles fought in treacherous terrain and sub-zero conditions.
Landmarks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 became symbols of sacrifice, etched forever in the national memory. Heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra, Major Rajesh Adhikari, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar emerged as icons of Indian valour.
The war ended on July 26, 1999, with India regaining control of all positions without crossing the Line of Control—demonstrating remarkable military restraint and earning international respect.
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