As India gets ready to mark the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, families of soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil War gathered in Drass to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. They remembered the soldiers' courage and sacrifice and spoke with pride about their lasting legacy.
Mohammad Afzal, son of Lance Naik Mohammad Aslam, who was killed during the Kargil War, said his family visits Drass every year to observe Kargil Vijay Diwas.
"My father, Lance Naik Mohd Aslam, was martyred in the Kargil War in 1999. We come here every year to celebrate Vijay Diwas. It is a proud moment for our family. I do not have many memories of my father, but I have heard many stories about him from my mother, relatives and the Army during these events. I feel extremely proud of him," he said.
Afzal also said he hopes to join the Indian Army and serve the country. "I want to do whatever I can for my country. If I get an opportunity, I will certainly serve the nation," he said.
Vidhya Devi, wife of late Dharamvir Singh of the 17 Jat Regiment, said returning to the place where her husband fought the war was an emotional but proud moment for her.
"My husband served in the Army and fought here in Kargil. He was martyred in 1999. I feel very proud to be here today. My husband was a hero of the nation. Standing here and looking at these mountains brings back memories of his courage. He was a true hero, and I salute his bravery. I lost my husband, but I am proud that he made such a great sacrifice for the country," she said.
She recalled how communication with soldiers was difficult during those days, as families had to rely on letters that often took months to reach them.
"At that time, we did not have mobile phones. We communicated through letters, and sometimes they took months to arrive. But my husband will always remain a hero of this country," she added.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to undertake a two-day visit to Kargil and Ladakh from Saturday. He will take part in the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at Drass on July 26.
Earlier on Friday, members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paid homage to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War.
Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan said the country will observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 to mark India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War. He paid tribute to the brave officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces who defended the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity with courage, valour and dedication.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. The day marks India's victory in the Kargil War and remembers the courage of those who defended the country's sovereignty.
The day also keeps alive the enduring legacy of the Kargil War. It serves as a reminder of the importance of military preparedness, inspires future generations and reaffirms India's commitment to protecting its national security.
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