Thakur receives Kargil Victory Flame in Mandi

Mandi, July 19

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Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today received the Kargil ‘Victory Flame’ at Mandi that was illuminated from the National War Memorial, New Delhi, on July 14 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Paying rich tributes to brave martyrs of the nation, he said this was a special occasion to remember the indomitable courage of our jawans who fought for the integrity and pride of the nation. He said that four brave soldiers were conferred Paramvir Chakra for Operation Vijay, out of which Captain Vikram Batra and Havildar Sanjay Kumar belonged to Himachal Pradesh.

In all, 527 soldiers of the country sacrificed their lives for the cause of the nation. Out of these, 52 were from Himachal Pradesh, including 12 from Mandi district.

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is being celebrated across the nation. On this occasion, we renew our resolve to safeguard the honour of the tricolour. This celebration would surely evoke nationalism and patriotism among youth”, he said.

Jai Ram said the state government is sensitive towards the soldiers and their families. Petrol pumps and gas agencies have been given to 28 dependents of the Kargil martyrs. The state government has also taken a decision to provide financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the martyrs and Rs 5 lakh to the injured. — TNS