KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

On 26th July 1999, Operation Vijay got succeeded. On this date, since 1999 Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to commemorate India’s victory in Kargil War against Pakistan. After the victory, India successfully took command of the outposts across the Himalayas in Ladakh region of

Jammu and Kashmir which had been lost to Pakistani intruders. The war had been fought for more than 60 days between May and July in the Kargil district of Kashmir and along the Line of Control. It ended on 26th July 1999. The cause of Kargil War was the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants into positions on the Indian side of the LOC and occupied outposts. The operation was to clear the Kargil sector from those intruders. The Pakistani intrusion was reported initially by local shepherds.

Land, Air, Naval operations were held. The Indian Army launched ‘Operation Vijay’; a mobilisation

of 200,000 troops was launched. The Indian Air Force launched ‘Operation Safed’. The Indian

Navy also prepared to block Pakistan ports mainly the Karachi Port to cut off supply routes under ‘Operation Talwar’. However, the final attacks were launched during the last week of July. In the end, Pakistan had to withdraw under international pressure and due to the high pressure from continued fighting a battle. Hence our country got its control over the territory of LOC. The victory costs a high price. We lost 527 brave soldiers. The loss was on both sides. This day is celebrated every year in honour of Kargil War’s Heroes in the Kargil-Dras sector and in New Delhi, in which Prime Minister pays homage to our soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year.