India Remembers Kargil Heroes on 25th Vijay Diwas

As India marks the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, families honor the bravery of soldiers who fought in the 1999 conflict with Pakistan. PM Modi will pay tribute at the Kargil War Memorial and commence the Shinkun La Tunnel Project.

As the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, families of fallen soldiers commemorate the bravery and sacrifice shown during the 1999 India-Pakistan conflict in the Kargil region. Madhubala, widow of Kargil hero Vinod Kumar, recollects her husband's sacrifice with pride. "On May 18, 1997, we got married and on June 14, 1999, he lost his life. I feel very good to be here and feel proud," she says.

Rajender Kumar, elder brother of another hero Bejender Kumar, also expressed his pride. "I feel so proud; he died for the country. We remember him every day," he noted.

Prashanti, wife of Kargil hero Group Captain K Nachiketa Rao, reflects on the anxious days awaiting his return from captivity. "We were not married at the time of the war. We married after two years. Like the other countrymen, we used to pray every day for his repatriation from Pakistan. We feel proud; very few people get such a chance to show such bravery and then live to tell those tales," she stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil today to honor the bravery of these soldiers. At 9:20 AM, he will pay tribute at the Kargil War Memorial. "Tomorrow, 26th July, is very special for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes. Work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project which aims to improve connectivity to Leh during adverse weather," PM Modi stated in a post on X.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999 when Indian forces reclaimed strategic positions in Kargil infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)