19th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas observed

The 19th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated across India on 26 July 2018 to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay and remember brave sacrifice of Indian soldiers during 1999 India-Pakistan Kargil War.

India-Pakistan Kargil War

The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. It had began with infiltration of both Pakistani troops and terrorists deep inside Indian territory in strategic positions that overlooked the only road link between Srinagar and Leh. The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf without knowledge of then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Based on information from local shepherds, Indian Army was able to ascertain points of incursion and launch “Operation Vijay”. Indian Air Force’s operation Safed Sagar was a major part of the Kargil war. It had used for the first time air power at height of 32,000 feet. On July 26, 1999, Indian Army declared mission successful. Since then day has been celebrated annually as Vijay Diwas. The victory came at high price. The official death toll on Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2018