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Indian Army to honour martyrs on 17th Kargil Vijay Diwas

by IBNS 15 Jul 2016, 08:54 am

Udhampur, July 15 (IBNS): The Army is preparing extensively to honour the martyrs of the Kargil War of 1999 in a series of solemn ceremonies this year, a government release stated.

The primary event which shall mark the 17th anniversary of the Victory is scheduled to be held at Kargil War Memorial loc at Drass from 25 to 26 of this month. It will be attended by a large number of dignitaries of the Army and civil administration as well as gallantry award winners of the conflict and families of many martyrs.

"The conflict was fought in the summer of 1999 to evict Pakistani regular forces who had intruded and occupied winter vacated posts on the Indian side of the Line of Control thereby violating an unwritten agreement. The operation cost the Indian Army hundreds of young lives, in whose memory the commemorative function is held every year," the release read.

As a run up to the event, large number of competitions & events have been planned for the local population of the area who supported the operations whole heartedly risking their lives. Polo Matchs/Cricket/Archery/Tent pegging competitions & cultural shows have been planned from July 21 to July 22, 20 6. These events will culminate on July 23, 2016 with a ‘Military Tattoo’ show & prize distribution.

The celebrations at Kargil War Memorial will be on July 24 to 26, 2016. On July 24 and 25, the Army Bands will present a band display, followed by a solemn memorial service including wreath laying by COAS. On July 26, 2016, senior officers of the Army, martyrs’ families, war heroes, political representatives and the civil administration shall participate in the commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial located at the base of the Tololing feature, the scene of one of the fieriest battles of the operation.

"The event is a purposeful attempt by the Army every year to remember it’s martyrs and solemnly honour their memories and to remind the Nation of the constant sacrifices the men and women in uniform make for the citizens of India," the release read.