Kargil Vijay Diwas

Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated in India every year on 26 July to honour the valour, courage, and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War of 1999. The day marks the successful completion of Operation Vijay, in which India regained control of strategic high-altitude positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated and occupied by Pakistani forces. It stands as a symbol of India’s military strength, national unity, and unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.

Background of the Kargil War

The Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, was a limited conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC). The conflict began when Indian forces detected infiltration by Pakistani soldiers and militants, disguised as Kashmiri insurgents, into Indian territory on the Indian side of the LoC.
These intrusions were part of a covert plan by Pakistan’s military establishment to occupy strategic positions in the Dras, Kaksar, Batalik, and Mushkoh sectors of Kargil. The purpose was to cut off the link between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley, thereby forcing India to withdraw from the Siachen Glacier and internationalise the Kashmir issue.

Outbreak and Course of the War

In early May 1999, local shepherds first reported unusual movement along the ridgelines of Kargil. Subsequent reconnaissance confirmed large-scale infiltration. The Indian Army responded by launching Operation Vijay, a massive military campaign to reclaim the occupied peaks.
The war was characterised by difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, with battles fought at altitudes exceeding 16,000 to 18,000 feet. Despite these challenges, Indian forces displayed exceptional bravery and determination. The Indian Air Force supported ground operations under Operation Safed Sagar, conducting precision airstrikes against enemy positions.
Some of the most intense battles took place at Tololing, Tiger Hill, Point 4875, and Batalik, where Indian soldiers recaptured vital posts after fierce fighting. The combined efforts of the Indian Army and Air Force gradually pushed back the intruders.
By 26 July 1999, Indian forces had successfully recaptured all major positions occupied by Pakistani troops. The day was declared Kargil Vijay Diwas, marking the victory of Indian forces and the restoration of the sanctity of the Line of Control.

Operation Vijay

Operation Vijay was the codename for the Indian Army’s campaign to clear the Kargil sector. The operation involved nearly 30,000 troops, including elite units such as the Parachute Regiment, Jat Regiment, Rajputana Rifles, Naga Regiment, and Grenadiers.
The operation was launched in phases:

• Phase I: Detection of infiltration and assessment of enemy positions.
• Phase II: Mobilisation of troops and air power to target occupied posts.
• Phase III: Full-scale assaults to reclaim peaks and restore territorial integrity.

Operation Vijay officially concluded on 26 July 1999, with the Indian Army announcing complete success. The cost of victory, however, was heavy, with 527 Indian soldiers losing their lives and over 1,300 wounded.

Heroism and Gallantry Awards

The Kargil conflict produced numerous examples of supreme courage and patriotism. Several soldiers were posthumously awarded India’s highest military honours for their bravery.
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Recipients:

• Captain Vikram Batra (13 JAK Rifles): For his leadership and gallantry in recapturing Point 4875.
• Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (11 Gorkha Rifles): For his fearless assault on enemy positions in Batalik sector.
• Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (18 Grenadiers): For scaling Tiger Hill under intense enemy fire.
• Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (13 JAK Rifles): For exceptional bravery during the capture of Area Flat Top.

Other distinguished gallantry awardees included Major Rajesh Adhikari, Captain Anuj Nayyar, and Major Vivek Gupta, whose sacrifices epitomised the spirit of the Indian soldier.

International and Diplomatic Context

The Kargil War had significant international implications. Initially, Pakistan denied involvement, claiming the infiltrators were “Kashmiri freedom fighters.” However, captured documents and evidence established the direct role of the Pakistan Army’s Northern Light Infantry.
The international community, including the United States, United Kingdom, and other major powers, strongly supported India’s position, calling for respect of the Line of Control. Diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States, compelled Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to order a withdrawal of troops on 4 July 1999, following talks in Washington.

Commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Every year, 26 July is observed with solemnity and pride across India. The main commemorative event is held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, located near the foothills of Tololing Hill. The memorial bears the names of all soldiers who laid down their lives during the war, engraved in pink sandstone.
Ceremonies include:

• Wreath-laying by the President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and service chiefs.
• Military parades and cultural programmes honouring the martyrs.
• Commemorative events in schools and institutions, promoting patriotism among youth.
• Lighting of candles and flag marches across the nation to express gratitude to the Armed Forces.

The event also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, unity, and respect for the sacrifices made by India’s soldiers.

Strategic and Military Lessons

The Kargil conflict imparted several critical lessons in national security and military preparedness:

• Strengthening of intelligence coordination and early warning systems.
• Establishment of the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) to assess shortcomings in defence and intelligence mechanisms.
• Acceleration of modernisation programmes for the armed forces, including surveillance and logistics capabilities.
• Reinforcement of civil–military coordination and border management systems.