Kargil Vijay Diwas: Mandi pays tributes to its brave heroes

Mandi, July 26

Mandi town paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers and martyrs of the Army on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The district administration and Soldiers’ Welfare Department organised a programme at the martyrs’ memorial here to mark the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, Sainik Welfare Department Deputy Director Col Gopal Guleria (retd), Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor (retd), Col KK Malhotra (retd), Col Pratap Singh (retd), Col Harish Vaidh (retd), Col MK Mandiyal (retd) and Ex-Servicemen League President Capt Kashmir Singh (retd) attended the event. Veer Naris, former servicemen, NCC cadets and the general populace also paid floral tributes to the martyrs and took a pledge for national unity and integrity.

During the event, DC Devgan honoured the Veer Naris of the Kargil War and expressed his gratitude to them for their sacrifices. He said the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers in defending the nation and preserving its borders filled every Indian with pride.

Capt Singh said it was a matter of great pride to remember and honour the soldiers, Veer Naris and their families. He also expressed his gratitude to the district administration for organising the event.

Capt Hetram Sharma, General Secretary, Mandi Ex-Servicemen League, welcomed everyone. Col TPS Rana (retd), Col VK Tapwal, Capt GC Saini, Col Khem Singh Thakur and other former servicemen also paid their respects to the martyrs.

The Kargil War, which took place from May 1999 to July 1999, saw the Army achieving a decisive victory over the Pakistani forces. By July 25, the Indian forces had completely secured their borders and positions. The war concluded on July 26, which is now observed as the Kargil Vijay Divas to honour the valour and victory of the Army.

During the conflict, 527 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives, while 1,367 were wounded. Among the fallen heroes were 52 soldiers from Himachal Pradesh, including 12 from Mandi district. The valour of the soldiers earned them the four highest military honours, including two Param Vir Chakras that were posthumously awarded to Captain Vikram Batra and to serving soldier Sanjay Kumar (now an Honorary Captain).