XploringIndia - 26th Jul, 2022
Today, India commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. The Kargil War, was officially over on this date in 1999 when Indian troops successfully reclaimed mountain peaks that had been taken by Pakistani intruders.
Amit Shah, the home minister, and Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, among others, paid respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives on July 26, 1999 on Twitter.
To improve coordination among all three services of the nation's armed forces, Rajnath Singh had announced the creation of "joint theatre commands" on Sunday.
The defence minister declared that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) was, is, and will always be a part of India while speaking at the "Kargil Vijay Diwas" celebration in Jammu.
"We are committed to the resolution passed in the Parliament on PoK. PoK was, is and shall always remain an integral part of India. How is it possible that Baba Amarnath (Lord Shiva's form) is in India and Maa Sharda Shakti is across the Line of Control," he said.
At the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, a wreath-laying ceremony is being held in remembrance of the soldiers.
The Pakistan Army crossed the Line of Control into India and captured important mountain peaks, starting the Kargil War.
The Indian Air Force also started a limited strike by the end of May. Two fighter planes and one chopper belonging to the IAF were destroyed. As a result, the Indian attack was intensified in June and July to retake important sites that the Pakistan Army had covertly taken over.
By July 26, 1999, India had retaken all of the peaks, ending the Kargil battle.
In the Kargil War, more than 500 Indian soldiers perished.