PM, leaders remember bravery of armed forces

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian armed forces for their prowess and sacrifices for the country on the occasion of the “Kargil Vijay Diwas”.

“Remembering our brave soldiers who fought gallantly for the pride of our nation & the security of our citizens during the Kargil War,” Mr Modi said in a series of tweets.

July 26 is celebrated as the anniversary of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan.

“Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of India’s military prowess & the great sacrifices our armed forces make while steadfastly keeping India safe,” he added.

The Kargil conflict in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh region took place after Pakistani troops occupied Indian posts before Indian forces retook the positions after a 60-day long war during which more than 500 Indian armed forces personnel laid down their lives.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also paid rich tributes to the Kargil War heroes and expressed deep gratitude and respect to their family members. Saluting the courage and valour of the soldiers, she said the nation is extremely proud of the armed forces personnel who made the supreme sacrifices. “As we remember our martyrs, the sacrifices of their family members cannot be overlooked,” she added.

Defence minister Arun Jaitley and the three Service Chiefs also paid glowing tributes to armed forces personnel who laid down their lives in the Kargil war. “Salute to the valour of our soldiers on #KargilVijayDiwas,” Mr Jaitley tweeted.