Kargil Vijay Diwas 2019 Why and how do we celebrate Kargil Memorial Day

On 26 July India is celebrating the Kargil Vijay Diwas 2019. It marks the 20th anniversary of the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in Operation Vijay against the infiltrating Pakistani troops. The Kargil War began and On 3rd May 1999 and concluded on 26 July 1999. The anniversary is celebrated by Indians to show respect and gratitude to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to re-capture all positions that had been seized by Pakistan Army.

Here is all you want to know about the Kargil war and how it is celebrated:

How and why did the Kargil War Take place:

The Kargil War was the first time India and Pakistan got into an armed conflict after becoming nuclear powers. Prior to it the last time the neighbouring countries had fought a war was in 1971. After becoming nuclear powers, in February 1999, the two countries signed The Lahore Declaration, promising to provide a peaceful and bilateral solution to the Kashmir conflict.

But Pakistan Army intruded into India across the Line of Control and captured strategic mountain peaks in winter. The main objective was to break the link between Kashmir and Ladakh and to withdraw the Indian Army from the Siachen Glacier. They also wanted to make the Kashmir issue an international issue, helping it to secure a speedy resolution.

Indian army detected the first intrusion in May 1999. They were given this information by the shepherds of the region. Earlier the army assumed that the intruders were militants or terrorists and not regular Pakistan Army troops. Soon the truth was out that it is Pakistan army.  Indian military soon launched a military and diplomatic blitz, pushing the Pakistani intruders off the captured heights and isolating Islamabad on a global level. By July 26th the Indian Army has captured all the peaks and brought the Kargil War to an end. We lost more than 500 brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Not only the Army but the Indian Navy and the Airforce too played a role in the Kargil war. The Navy effectively blocked Pakistani ports. The airforce without crossing the LOC battered the Pakistani Army that had infiltrated the Kargil sector.

How will the Kargil Vijay Diwas be celebrated:

‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ is celebrated with heavy enthusiasm and vigour by military personnel at Dras-Kargil sector and the national capital New Delhi at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate. President Ram Nath Kovind is expected to be in Dras for the celebrations. The Kargil victory flame is being carried in a relay from New Delhi to Dras in Kargil. This is to honour the sacrifices laid down by the martyrs who fought in this war. The Kargil victory flame will be carried in a relay by sportsmen and heroes of the armed forces and will reach Kargil War Memorial after passing through 11 towns and cities.

The President as well as the Army chief, chiefs of Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will be present in the Kargil-Dras sector to receive the victory flame and for the wreath-laying ceremony. A flypast by the Indian Air Force is also scheduled to be held during the ceremony.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and his team will prepare ‘Tiranga kheer’ at the Grand Dinner to be organised for the families of martyrs, serving troops and Army veterans. The ‘Mission Taste of Kargil’ will serve dinner to 500 people, including the kith and kin of martyrs, veterans, serving troops and others.

We salute The Brave Military Personnel Who Sacrificed Their Lives For The Nation. They are truly an inspiration to Young India.

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