Srinagar: To celebrate 20 years of ‘Operation Vijay’, President Ramnath Kovind on Friday paid tributes to the slain troops at Chinar Corps (15 Corps) War memorial at Badami Bagh Srinagar.

Kovind in a tweet said that India remains grateful to those in Armed forces who served in the Kargil conflict and defended the sovereignty with their valour.

“On #KargilVijayDiwas, paid tributes to our martyrs at Chinar Corps (15 Corps) War Memorial in Srinagar. India remains grateful to those in our Armed Forces who served in the Kargil conflict and defended our sovereignty with incredible valour,” he tweeted.

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year to commemorate India’s spectacular victory over Pakistan on this day in 1999. Indian Army launched ‘Operation Vijay’ in May 1999 to evict the Pakistani Army intruders from Kargil heights. Intruders from Northern Light Infantry (Part of Pakistani regular Army) had treacherously occupied these heights in an attempt to endanger the vital Srinagar-Leh National Highway. After over 60 days of war, the Indian Army with Chinar Corps at the forefront of the battle triumphed over Pakistan Army and chased them out completely from the heights of Dras, Mushkoh, Kaksar and Batalik,” a defence spokesperson said in a statement.

“The Nation is commemorating 20 years of this glorious victory in a big way with a series of programmes being conducted throughout the country. Today, the Chinar Corps joined a proud Nation on the 20th Anniversary of this historic battle, in remembering the martyrs, gallant serving soldiers and veterans on this occasion. The honourable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to the Kargil War heroes in a solemn ceremony held at the War Memorial in Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar. The occasion was also attended by Shri Satya Pal Malik Governor J&K, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon GOC Chinar Corps, representatives from other security agencies, civil administration and all ranks of Chinar Corps. The honourable President of India quoted in the Visitors Book “On the 20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I on behalf of a grateful Nation pay homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War. Today we remember ‘The gallant acts’ of our brave soldiers, rejoice in their victory and renew our pledge to rededicate ourselves in the service of our great Nation.” The proceedings included brief narration of the Kargil War highlighting the saga of courage and valour of the martyrs, prayers by religious teachers and laying of wreath in proud remembrance of the valiant heroes who participated in the operations,” he said.

“The solemn function at Badami Bagh Cantonment is a part of the Valley wide celebrations held from 22 Jul to 27 Jul 2019 to commemorate the occasion. These programmes included Wreath Laying, “Run for Fun”, special movie screenings, guest lectures and various competitions for school children. The events rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay and honour their exemplary courage and sacrifices,” he added.