President Kovind pays homage to Kargil bravehearts

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 26

At the Kargil War Memorial in Dras last night, 559 lamps were lit to mark the sacrifice of each of the lives lost during the conflict with Pakistan in May-July, 1999.

Today is the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. The functions of last evening and this morning were attended by families of the bravehearts and also gallantry awardees.

This year’s celebrations were unique. It coincided with 50 years of triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

President Ram Nath Kovind laid a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial in Baramulla district as he couldn’t reach Dras because the helicopter carrying him could not take off in bad weather. A solemn ceremony at Dras memorial had Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur as the chief guest. General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, was also present.

In Delhi, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu read out a statement saying the display of exemplary courage, selfless dedication and unflinching determination by our soldiers in treacherous terrain in inclement weather will remain etched in our memory forever. The House observed silence in memory of the soldiers fallen in the skirmish.

Nation grateful

The nation will never forget the sacrifice. A grateful nation will always be indebted to their courage. — Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

Etched in memory

The exemplary courage and dedication by our soldiers will remain etched in our memory forever. — M Venkaiah Naidu, Rajya Sabha Chairman

Indomitable courage

Your indomitable courage and sacrifice made it possible to gloriously unfurl the Tricolour in Kargil. — Amit Shah, Home Minister