Leaders from various political parties in India paid their respects to the country\’s armed forces and honored the fallen heroes on the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Addressing the gathering at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and pointedly blamed Pakistan for initiating the Kargil War. He expressed deep gratitude to the brave soldiers, whose unwavering courage and dedication have brought pride to the nation on numerous occasions, not only during the Kargil conflict but also in other instances since independence.
Recalling the history of the Kargil War, the conflict officially ended on July 26, 1999, when the last Pakistani troops and infiltrators were evicted from their positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC). The war was triggered when infiltrators from Pakistan crossed the LoC and occupied strategic positions in Ladakh\’s Kargil district. Initially mistaken for jihadis, it became evident over time that the Pakistani state was involved in the invasion.
The Kargil War posed significant challenges to the Indian armed forces. The enemy infiltrators were well-armed and supported by continuous shelling from Pakistani artillery across the border. The battlefield\’s high-altitude terrain, with extreme cold and reduced oxygen levels, had a profound impact on both soldiers and equipment. Acute mountain sickness, decreased accuracy of weapons and aircraft, and limited mobility due to the rugged landscape were some of the hurdles faced during the conflict.
However, the Indian Army adapted and overcame these challenges with determination. Acclimatization and specialized training programs were introduced to prepare the soldiers better. The Army adjusted its tactics, focusing on overwhelming firepower and daring maneuvers. Artillery played a crucial role in supporting ground forces due to the limitations of providing air cover at such altitudes. The Bofors gun, known for its range, was used effectively in Kargil.
In conclusion, the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the valor of Indian soldiers who secured victory despite the challenging conditions and enemy opposition. The event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces to protect the country\’s sovereignty and honor the memory of the fallen heroes.