PARRIKAR TO MISS 17TH EDITION OF CELEBRATIONS

JAMMU: Even as Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag will reach Drass to take part in the 17th edition of victory celebrations of Kargil war, defence minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to miss the event.

“Army chief will be reaching Drass on July 25 but owing to busy schedule defence minister Manohar Parrikar is unlikely to attend the celebrations,” informed defence sources.

The Army will be honouring the martyrs of the Kargil War of 1999 in a series of ceremonies this year.

The primary event is scheduled to be held at Kargil War Memorial LoC at Drass from July 25 to July 26.

The event will be attended by a large number of dignitaries of the army and civil administration and gallantry award winners of the conflict and families of many martyrs.

“On July 24 and July 25, the Army bands will present a band display, followed by a memorial service, including wreathlaying by Army chief,” said Defence spokesperson Col SD Goswami.

On July 26, senior officers of the Army will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, located at the base of the Tololing feature, he added.