Valour of Kargil War martyrs recalled

Jalandhar, July 26

The 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated by the Vajra Corps with full military honours and traditions.

Motorcycle expeditions were taken out to the Kargil War Memorial, Dras, and the National War Memorial, New Delhi. Expedition teams paid homage to the martyrs en route and interacted with war heroes, veer naris and veer matas.

A series of educative and commemorative events, including lectures, debates, quiz and painting competitions were conducted for the children. In a ceremony attended by the veterans and serving soldiers, GoC, Vajra Corps, Lieut Gen Ajay Chandpuria, paid homage to the fallen heroes.

The GOC reminded everyone of the sacrifices made by the officers and men and reaffirmed commitment to their families. He exhorted all ranks to take inspiration from the stories of their valour.

Under the aegis of the 2 Punjab NCC Battalion, NCC cadets and Army instructors paid a glowing tribute by laying wreaths at the War Memorial today. Col Vinod Joshi said the Kargil War broke out on 6 May, 1999. It took 82 days to flush out terrorists and Pakistani intruders in the Dras sector at the height of 16,000 to 18,000 feet. He said 527 soldiers of various battalions had sacrificed their lives which could never be forgotten.

Subedar Rajendra Singh from the 8 Sikh regiment, who was posted with his battalion in the Dras battlefield, shared the heroic stories with the cadets. Col Vinod Joshi organised a five-km race in Doaba College, in which cadets, students and citizens also participated.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held and tributes were paid at the Martyr’s Memorial of the Dogra Regiment. All programmes were conducted by Subedar Labh Singh and Havildar Pradeep Kumar. Col Joshi said drawing and painting competitions were organised in 38 colleges and schools on the day.

An event was also organised by Pawan Kumar of the Kashyap Naujawan Dharmik Sabha where the families of the martyrs were honoured. Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal also met the families and assured them support.

Commandant PK Maula, who has served the BSF for 39 years till 2002, was also a part of the gathering. He shared how he had seen three wars, 1965, 1971 and 1999 Kargil War. School students presented a cultural show.