After travelling approximately 300 Kms across the Kashmir valley and being received and celebrated at various Army Garrisons, the glorious Kargil Victory Flame which was flagged off from the Indian Army’s Northern Command Headquarters in Udhampur reached the pristine Gurez valley today and was welcomed by a huge gathering with much fanfare and celebrations.
The eternal flame was received by Commanding Officer of the Dawar Battalion at the Wampora Bridge, thereafter, the flame along with its cavalcade traveled to the Sumo Stand, Dawar where it was handed over to Ex Hav Altaf of 12 JAKLI, a Kargil War Veteran. Thereafter, a road march procession of more than 1200 personnel, comprising of lancers, marching contingent, Military band, NCC Cadets, school students, locals, vehicle tableau, Civil Administration officials, JKP, CISF, BSF and Indian Army personnel, ensued till the Dawar War Memorial. The chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ echoed in the entire valley and the streets of Dawar became vibrant with the tricolour and children marching to the martial tunes of the Military band.
Wreath laying was carried out at the War Memorial with full military honours by all the participants and dignitaries followed by a colourful cultural and patriotic festival organised by the Indian Army at the Boys Higher Secondary School, Dawar to celebrate the momentous occasion. The Kargil War veterans of the valley were felicitated during the event and various patriotic performances by school children and games for locals and children were also witnessed during the event.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year with great grandeur and elan to commemorate the valour and sacrifice of our brave hearts and martyrs in the 1999 Kargil war against Pakistan. The huge gathering of locals and officials of the Civil Administration was testament to the unwavering support and patriotism of the Awam of Gurez.
