Kargil Vijay Diwas 2022 — India Remembers Its Martyrs On Kargil Victory Day

The Kargil war began in May 1999 in Jammu & Kashmir's Kargil area. During the two-month-long combat, India deployed numerous soldiers under 'Operation Vijay.'

Indian Army soldiers attend a wreath-laying ceremony at a war memorial during "Vijay Diwas" or 'Victory Day' celebrations in Drass

Source : AFP

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in 1999. On this day the nation remembers the heroes of the Indian National Army who fought bravely and recaptured Tiger Hill as part of ‘Operation Vijay’.

Kargil War: Story Of India’s Brave Heroes

The Kargil war began in May 1999 in Jammu & Kashmir's Kargil area. During the two-month-long combat, India deployed numerous soldiers under 'Operation Vijay.' The battle was won by India on July 26, 1999. This battle against Pakistan was waged in three stages.

During the first phase, Indian troops controlled a portion of Kashmir, in the second phase, the Indian army began capturing important transit routes with the assistance of local shepherds.

In the third and last phase, the Indian Army completed the task of evicting Pakistani soldiers with the assistance of the Indian Air Force.

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Army Chief Ved Prakash Malik, replied to the infiltration with 200,000 Indian Jawans. According to official records, 527 troops gave their lives for India.

India Remembers Fallen Soldiers

Kargil Vijay Diwas is the day to commemorate the victory in honour of the heroes of the Kargil War and pay homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland.

Indian soldiers braved the chill and a disadvantageous position and drove the Pakistanis out of the motherland. Despite the circumstances, Indian soldiers displayed exceptional bravery. They ascended mountains when necessary, braved enemy fire from hills, and engaged in multiple hand-to-hand combats. Every year, the Prime Minister pays tribute to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is located near India Gate.

Captain Vikram Batra: Kargil War

On 20 June 1999, Captain Vikram Batra, Commander Delta Company, was entrusted with attacking Point 5140, during 'Operation Vijay.' Captain Batra and his company circled around the mountain from the east, arriving within striking distance of the enemy. Captain Batra realigned his column and encouraged his soldiers to attack the opposing positions. Leading from the front, he launched a daring assault on the enemy, killing four of them in hand-to-hand combat.

On 7 July 1999, in another operation in the area Pt 4875, his company was given the task to clear a narrow feature with sharp cuttings on either side and the heavily fortified enemy defences that covered the only route to approach it.

Captain Batra attacked the enemy position along a narrow slope and fought the enemy in furious hand-to-hand combat, killing five enemy soldiers at point blank range. Despite his severe injuries, he crept towards the enemy and hurled grenades at them, clearing the area, not at all fearing about his own life.

He gathered his men and pressed on the attack, accomplishing a near-impossible military mission in the face of heavy enemy fire. However, he died as a consequence of his injuries. Inspired by his daring conduct, his forces wreaked havoc on the enemy, annihilating them and capturing Point 4875.

Captain Vikram Batra thus demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy for which he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

"Either I will return after hoisting the Tricolour (Indian flag), or I will return wrapped in it, but I will return for sure." – Captain Vikram Batra.