KARGIL VIJAY DIVAS July 26 is celebrated as "Kargil Vijay Diwas" every year to mark the successful completion of "Operation Vijay" that ended the 3-month war along the Line of Control The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil district. The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It began with the infiltration of both Pakistani troops and terrorists into Indian territory. The infiltrators positioned themselves in key locations that gave them a strategic advantage during the start of the conflict. Based on information from local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launch "Operation Vijay". The Army declared the mission successful on July 26, 1999; since then the day has been celebrated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas. The victory came at a high price. The official death toll on the Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Remembering some of the Kargil heroes Captain Anuj Nayyar Captain Anuj Nayyar was an Indian Army officer of the 17th Battalion, Jat Regiment, who laid down his life while battling at the Tiger Hill on 7th July 1999 during the Kargil War. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exemplary valour during combat operations. Major Vivek Gupta Major Vivek Gupta of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, died in the Kargil conflict on June 12, 1999, after capturing two important posts in the Drass sector. He was flicitated with Maha Vir Chakra for his heroism at the war front. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 Jammu And Kashmir rifles was the leading Scout of the team entrusted with capturing Area Flat Top, which was being held by enemy. He was shot in the chest and forearm but sustained the attack despite bleeding profusely. Charged by his act of daredevilry, the rest of the platoon attacked the enemy bunkers and captured Area flat Top. Rifleman Kumar was awarded with Param Vir Chakra.

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav

Part of the Commando ‘Ghatak’ Platoon given the task to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers, was leading the assault and climbing the cliff face. He was fixing ropes for the rest of the platoon. He was awarded the highest military honour in India, Param Vir Chakra, for his 4 July 1999 action during the Kargil War. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey of 1st Battalion, Gorkha Rifles, participated in a series of boldly led attacks during ‘Operation Vijay’ and forced back the intruders from the Batalik sector on June 11, 1999. His leadership led to the capture of Jaubar Top and Khalubar on early hours of July 3, 1999. Pandey succumbed to his injuries on the hilltop and was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra. Captain Vikram Batra Captain Vikram Batra, 13th Jammu And Kashmir Rifles, was ordered to recapture the highest point on Tololing Ridge, peak 5140, where Pakistani invaders had taken positions in bunkers. He was martyred on July 26, 1999 while trying to rescue an injured soldier. The peak he died on, Point 4875, is now called ‘Batra Top’. He was awarded with the Param Veer Chakra, the highest military honour.

The Kargil war resulted in loss of life on both the sides and was ended when India regained control over the post and ejected the Pakistani Army out of the territory.

U/O NANDANI SINGH Regimental no.- BR/19/SW/A/550124