Wreath laying ceremony held at Kargil War Memorial in Drass

The wreath-laying ceremony was held in Drass on the occasion of Kargil War Memorial Day. It pays tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. This was the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 in honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty during the Kargil War. The day also marks the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in recapturing the mountain heights, defeating the Pakistani Army on July 26th, 1999.

The Kargil War was fought between May 8, 1999, to July 26, 1999, against Pakistani intruders, who in the winters of 1998 entered the Indian territory across the Line of Control and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil's Drass and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh region with a nefarious aim of dominating all military and civil movement on the highway.

Braving unprecedented hardships, overcoming the hazards of near impossible terrain and severe climatic conditions, brave gallant soldiers launched valiant attacks on well-fortified defended localities with relentless valour and enthusiasm, thus attaining an astounding victory.

On July 24, several bands performed at a musical show titled "Ek Sham Shahidon ke Naam" in Drass town to pay tribute to Kargil war heroes. Locals and Indian army personnel took part in the music event.

Paying glowing tributes to the freedom fighters and the Indian Armed Forces personnel who have laid down their lives since independence in the service of the nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that it was the spirit of national pride at the core of their values that protected the unity and integrity of India.