Kargil Vijay Diwas

Introduction

The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict, occurred between May-July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The conflict escalated after the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and nuclear tests in 1998 between India and Pakistan. India won the Kargil conflict, marking a significant shift in India’s social order after 23 years of independence. 

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024

In 2024, on Kargil Vijay Diwas, we must remember and honor the Indian soldiers who fought in the Kargil War and are considered its actual heroes. The 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, which celebrates 25 years of glad victory, is an amazing and unique event. The Kargil War Memorial at Dras, Jammu and Kashmir, is the venue for a number of celebrations and festivities.

Operation Vijay

• The Lahore Agreement, which was signed in 1999, called for India and Pakistan to work together to find a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute. 
• However, as part of Operation Badr, Pakistani forces started infiltrating into India in an attempt to cut off Indian troops near Siachen.
  • In response, the Indian Army started Operation Vijay.
• Pakistan initiated this conflict on May 3, 1999, when it, along with some 5,000 men, entered and took control of the rugged mountainous territory of Kargil at high heights.
• “Operation Vijay” was initiated by the Indian army to drive away the treasonous invaders who had invaded Indian territory as soon as the Indian government learned of it.

National War Memorial

• The National War Memorial, inaugurated in 2019, is located 400 meters from India Gate and features four concentric circles: “Amar Chakra”(Circle of Immortality),”Veerta Chakra”(Circle of Bravery), “Tyag Chakra”(Circle of Sacrifice), and “Rakshak Chakra”(Circle of Protection). 
• The memorial was first proposed in the 1960s and honors soldiers who fought in various conflicts, including the 1962 Sino-Indian war, 1947-65 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, 1987-90 Sri Lankan Peace Keeping Force Operations, and 1999 Kargil Conflict. 
• It also honors soldiers who made significant sacrifices in United Nations peace-keeping missions, HADR operations, counterinsurgency operations, and LICO.

Conclusion:

The 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 is a commemoration of the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. The event aims to strengthen national pride and unity by paying tribute to the fallen heroes. On 26 July, we should remember and honor the sacrifices of these brave soldiers, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire generations.