26 July#Respect to the Martrys on 17th KargilVijayDiwas!!!

'They allowed their Soul to Rest so that Country can live in Peace'  

527 Soldiers from Indian Armed Forces Sacrificed their lives during the War

Post India-Pakistan War of 1971, there had been a direct armed conflicts involving the military forces of these neighbors. In an attempt to control the escalating tensions and conflicts due to terror activities in kashmir, both the countries signed the Lahore declaration in February 1999. This was intended to provide peaceful and bilateral solution to the Kashmir Conflict.

However, infiltration of the pakistani armed forces and paramilitary forces into the territory of India beyond LOC(Line of control)  with an aim of forcing Indian military to withdraw from Siachen Glacier and  settle the Kashmir border dispute. This movement gave kashmir dispute an international look with a pressure to resolve it at the earliest.

Government of India, Vinal Sharma responded with operation Vijay and with the mobilisation of 2,00,000 Indian Troops, finally war outbroke which ended on 26 july,1999

This event is named after the success of 'Operation Vijay' on 26 July 1999 celebrated in the honour of Kargil War Heroes. War which was fought for more than 60 days took the toll of lives at both the ends. On this day, Prime Minister of India pays homage to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year and it is also celebrated in the Kargil-Drass sector. 

Everyone by now are well aware about the Gallantry Awards offered to the Kargil War Heroes. While paying tribute and respect to all of them , lets Recall some of their sacrifices and salute their Bravery.

Aged 19, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, Youngest person to be awarded Param Vir Chakra, Highest Military Honour in India.

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey 1/11 Gorkha Rifles awarded the highest military honour for his courage he showed at the crucial moment of attack on Jubar Top, Khalubar Hills. Considered as important due to its strategic location.

Captain Vikram Batra

Often Referred as 'Sher Shah', Captain Vikram Batra led the most toughest operation in mountain Warfare in Indian History, Awarded PVC (Param Vir Chakra).

Graduated from National Defense Academy (90th Course, Echo Squadron) Captain Anuj Nayyar Awarded Maha Vir Chakra, Second Highest Gallantry award.

Some of the few lesser known who gave India a decisive victory on one such battle fought for the capture of Tiger Hill.

Supreme Sacrifice by getting hit with Volley of bullets, ensuring the enemy suffered the major losses and helped minimise losses to his own forces Captain Jerry Prem Raj awarded with Vir Chakra.

Captain Jerry Prem Raj

In the crucial moment of company commander being injured and second in command fatally wounded, Captain Shashi Bhushan Ghidiyal, took the lead , guided the troop and prevented the enemy counter attack sustaining the gun shot wounds. Awarded Vir chakra.

Strategically important area Ledge was captured due to his heroics, Subedar Raghunath singh, Killed 2 intruders in Hand-to-Hand fight, and kept Firing on the fleeing enemy with utter disregard of personal safety, Awarded Vir Chakra.

Sustaining the Sever injury in the leg, continued to motivate his team and advanced towards the target, he himself fired sniper and LMG (Light Machine Gun) Killing the enemy. He refused to get evacuated knowing the fact that his evacuation would lead to mission failure due to reduced army strength.Showing utmost dedication to duty and self sacrifice ensured completion of the mission. Havildar Sis Ram Gill, Awarded Vir chakra.

'If death strikes before I prove my blood,I swear,I will kill death'- Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey PVC

Salute to those who live a life Less Ordinary!!!