KARGIL VIJAY DIVAS

On July 26, 1999, came out victorious in the with the neighbouring country Pakistan. In order to commemorate India’s victory in the war, the Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year. The Indian soldiers had secured this victory after a three-month conflict that led to a loss of lives from both sides. The Indian side lost nearly 490 officers and soldiers.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed to honour the war heroes and participants. Every year, the Army organises functions and events across the country.It was on July 26, 1999, that the had declared the successful culmination of 'Operation Vijay', declaring a victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil. India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas; nation remembers valour, sacrifice and exemplary courage of our soldiersThe Indian Army responded to the intrusion with 'Operation Vijay', fighting battles on rugged terrains and difficult peaksWar hero Captain Vikram Batra, known as 'Shershaah' of Kargil, sacrificed his life fighting enemy forces at the age of 24 .

As India celebrates 21 years of victory in the Kargil war, the nation remembers the valour, sacrifice and exemplary courage of our braves who gave up their present for our future. We recount the valour of India's defence forces who fought back from a position of disadvantage to recapture territories occupied by Pakistan. On this day in 1999, Indian armed forces snatched back one of the most hard-fought victories in history. Sitting on their high vantage points, Pakistan could see Indian Army’s every move, they bombed National Highway 1, Kargil’s only link to rest of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, to block supply lines but Indian troops marched on with aerial support from the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Soon, key positions like Tololing and Tiger Hill were taken back by India and amid international pressure, Pakistan announced the withdrawal of its troops. All Pakistani forces were pushed back by July 26, the day we now know and celebrate as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Major Sonam Wangchuk, while leadingSchool a column Name of • Ms.Scouts Writer in Batalik • Sector,September launched 4,a raid 20XX on the enemy position from a flank, killing enemy soldiers. He was awarded , India's second-highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Operation Vijay

With key points captured by the enemy forces, 'Operation Vijay' was launched by the Indian Army to clear the

Kargil sector. The Indian Air Force's role in acting jointly with Indian Army ground troops during the war was aimed at flushing out regular and irregular troops of the Pakistani Army from vacated Indian positions in the Kargil sector along the Line of Control (LoC). The war is the most recent example of high-altitude warfare in mountainous terrain, and as such posed significant logistical problems for the combating sides. It is also the sole instance of direct, conventional warfare between nuclear States.

Three phases of Kargil War

There were three major phases of the Kargil War. First, Pakistan forces infiltrated into Kashmir and occupied strategic locations enabling it to bring NH-1 within range of its artillery fire. The next stage consisted of India discovering the infiltration and mobilising forces to respond to it. The final stage involved major battles by Indian and Pakistani forces resulting in India recapturing most of the territories held by Pakistani forces and the subsequent withdrawal of Pakistani forces back across the LoC after international pressure.

The country is celebrating the anniversary of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' . The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in recapturing the mountain heights that were occupied by the Pakistani Army on July 26, 1999, known as the Kargil War. (ANI)