Jalandhar: Vajra Corps celebrates 22nd anniversary of Kargil War

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 26

On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil War, Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, offered tributes to the Kargil martyrs at a solemn wreath laying ceremony held at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal in Jalandhar Cantonment today.

During the ceremony, homage was paid to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in supreme sacrifice to the nation during Operation Vijay. The event was attended by senior officers and serving personnel with restricted attendance as per Covid protocols. Similar functions to honour the Kargil martyrs were also held in all stations under Vajra Corps.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year to commemorate Operation Vijay wherein brave soldiers of the Indian Army overcame near insurmountable odds, hostile terrain, harsh weather and a determined enemy occupying dominating heights, to win the war.

A pledge was taken by all attendees on the occasion to rededicate themselves to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army and honour of the Tricolour.

17 families of Kargil heroes honoured

The Kargil Vijay Divas function was observed at War Memorial today by the Kashyap Naujawan Sabha. Led by Pawan Kashyap, the members of the sabha decorated the War Memorial, especially the Kargil gallery and the area where jyoti is lit up to commemorate the day.

Around 17 families of Kargil martyrs attended the event. Jalandhar North MLA Bawa Henry also visited the site and paid respects to the martyrs and their families. Ex-District Sainik Welfare Officer Col Manmohan Singh also attended the event. All visitors, including the NCC cadets, garlanded the portraits of the martyrs.

The sabha members donated a tricycle to a family member. Five needy families also received ration. School bag and stationery items were also distributed to the children of the martyrs. Unlike previous years, no cultural show was held today owing to Covid restrictions. Since it rained heavily at the time of the event, the entire function was held in a hall at the basement of the building.

Among those who turned up were Dalwinder Kaur, wife of martyr Buta Singh, Kamaljit Kaur, wife of martyr Avtar Singh, Gulshan Singh, son of Shaurya Chakra awardee Lieut Joga Singh, Harjinder Kaur, wife of martyr Daljeet Singh.