Dras, July 25 (JKNS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to face every challenge posed by the country’s adversaries, stating that despite continued attempts through proxy war and infiltration, India’s military remains vigilant, battle-ready and capable of protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
Addressing a commemorative event in Dras on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, as per news agency JKNS, Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who secured India’s victory during the 1999 Kargil War, saying their courage, patriotism and unwavering resolve continue to inspire both the armed forces and the nation.
“Even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to employ nefarious tactics such as proxy wars and infiltration, the Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge,” Singh said.
He said no one dares cast an evil eye on India as long as the patriotism and determination of the country’s soldiers remain unshaken, adding that their sacrifices ensure every Indian can pursue dreams without fear.
Interacting with troops during the traditional Barakhana, Rajnath Singh said that while the nation takes pride in remembering the Kargil victory, it must remain prepared as security challenges continue to persist. He reiterated the Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers and emphasised that sustained efforts are being made to modernise the armed forces with world-class weapons, technology and training.
The Defence Minister lauded the armed forces for adopting advanced technologies and said India’s military professionalism and valour are recognised globally. Expressing confidence in the country’s growing self-reliance in defence production, he said India is steadily moving towards becoming one of the strongest military powers in the world.
The event ‘Shaurya Bhoj’, organised at Vishwanathan Stadium in Dras, featured displays of drones, robotic mules, Army martial arts drills and cultural performances showcasing Ladakh’s rich heritage. Rajnath Singh joined Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Kargil War veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, families of martyrs and civil dignitaries during the programme.
Earlier, the Defence Minister attended ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial, where patriotic performances, inter-faith prayers, the Beating Retreat ceremony and the lighting of lamps were held in honour of the heroes of Operation Vijay. Ten families of Kargil War martyrs were felicitated in recognition of their sacrifice and resilience.
The commemorative events also included ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, where Kargil War veterans and families of fallen soldiers remembered the sacrifices made during Operation Vijay. A documentary and special presentations highlighting the valour of 40 war heroes were screened during the event.
The celebrations will culminate on July 26, when Rajnath Singh will lead the nation in paying homage to the 545 martyrs of Operation Vijay, including 537 personnel of the Indian Army, five from the Indian Air Force, one from the Border Security Force and two civilians, who laid down their lives to safeguard India’s territorial integrity during the Kargil War. (JKNS)
[26/07, 9:49 am] +91 78897 89511: *Rajnath Singh Leads Nation in Paying Tribute to Kargil Heroes at Drass War Memorial*
*Defence Minister, Army Chief, LG Ladakh, DGP Ladakh and Senior Civil-Military Officials Offer Floral Tributes to Bravehearts of Operation Vijay*
Aazan Manzoor
Drass, July 26 (JKNS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday led the nation in paying rich and floral tributes to the bravehearts of the 1999 Kargil War at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on the occasion of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Defence Minister Singh as per news agency JKNS, laid wreaths at the memorial in honour of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay, remembering their unmatched courage and dedication in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
Joining the Defence Minister in paying homage were Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Director General of Police Ladakh Anand Jain, along with senior Army commanders, civil administration officials and other dignitaries, who also laid floral wreaths and observed solemn tributes to the fallen heroes.
The Kargil War Memorial at Drass, built in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 conflict, witnessed a solemn ceremony attended by military personnel, veterans and officials, reaffirming the nation’s gratitude towards the brave soldiers whose sacrifice ensured India’s victory in the Kargil War.
India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on July 26 to commemorate the successful culmination of Operation Vijay and honour the courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of the Armed Forces in defending the country’s territorial integrity. (JKNS)
