26 July: 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated across India on 26 July every year to remember victory of Indian Armed Forces in Operation Vijay in 1999 against infiltrating Pakistani troops. The year 2019, marks 20th anniversary of victory in Operation VIJAY popularly known as Kargil War, and is being celebrated with theme- Remember, Rejoice and Renew.

About Kargil Vijay Diwas

Objective behind celebrating Kargil Vijay Diwas is to evoke feeling of nationalism and patriotism through nationwide campaigns especially amongst youth and to pay homage to valiant soldiers.

Celebrations:

The annual observance of anniversary is to show respect and gratitude to brave servicemen of armed forces who laid down their lives in re-capturing all positions that were then infiltrated & seized by Pakistan Army.

It is celebrated with heavy enthusiasm and vigor by military personnel at Dras-Kargil sector and New Delhi at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate.

20th Anniversary celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas: began in New Delhi on 14 July 2019. The Victory Flame traversed through 11 towns and cities and finally reached Dras where it was received from Major DP Singh and passed on to Param Veer Chakra awardee Yogendra Yadav and then to Chief of Indian Army Bipin Rawat to merge at Kargil War Memorial with eternal flame.

About Operation Vijay (Kargil War)

It was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place in Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along Line of Control (LOC).

It was fought for over 60 days (between May and July 1999) and ended with India regaining control of all previously held territory. In 60- day long conflict, the victory of Tiger Hill was one of the crucial achievements.

Remembrance: Operation Vijay will always be remembered for its self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping war limited to Kargil-Siachen Sectors (of Kashmir), strategic and tactical surprises and the way in which tri-services military strategy and plans were swiftly executed.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019