Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. The commemoration coincides with the nation’s silver jubilee celebration of the war victory.
In preparation for the Prime Minister’s visit, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Kargil earlier today to participate in the pre-victory celebration events. During his time in Kargil, Modi will virtually initiate the first blast for the Shinkun La tunnel project, poised to become the world’s highest tunnel upon completion. This significant construction, situated on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road in Ladakh, is expected to enhance both military logistics and regional development.
#WATCH | Drass, Kargil | 25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas | Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Gen VP Malik (Retd.) attend the silver jubilee celebrations of the Indian Army's victory in Operation Vijay that took place in Kargil. pic.twitter.com/jcGDeV6MhN
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024
The tribute ceremony will also see the presence of Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Retd) BD Mishra, the Army Chief, and senior military commanders. The Shinkun La tunnel, a 4.1-kilometer twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet, will facilitate all-weather connectivity to Leh. Designed with advanced features such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), mechanical ventilation, and fire-fighting systems, the tunnel aims to boost economic and social progress in Ladakh.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated annually on July 26 at the Drass War Memorial, marks the day in 1999 when the Indian Army, supported by the Indian Air Force, successfully ousted Pakistani intruders from the Kargil heights. This operation cost around 500 Indian soldiers their lives.
Prime Minister Modi, who has previously visited the Siachen Glacier and celebrated Diwali with soldiers at the Drass War Memorial, will also address the troops during this visit.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan extended his congratulations and best wishes to the armed forces on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War. Emphasizing the lasting inspiration of the sacrifices made during the war, Gen Chauhan highlighted the critical lessons learned, stressing the importance of remembering these lessons to avoid past mistakes and reinforce successful strategies.
Gen Chauhan also spoke about ongoing reforms within the armed forces, aimed at enhancing combat efficiency and readiness. He assured citizens that the armed forces are energized and committed to advancing with the nation’s goals as India enters the Amritkaal, striving towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
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