President of India arrives in Srinagar, paid tributes to Kargil War Soldiers

Srinagar, Jul 26 (Only Kashmir): The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Friday arrived in Srinagar, Kashmir and paid tribute to Kargil War soldiers on the occasion of 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Badami Bagh Cantonment at Srinagar. The ceremony was scheduled to be held at Drass Kargil War Memorial, however, due to the bad weather conditions the venue for the ceremony was changed. The President was received by J&K Governor Sat Pal Malik, Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan, City Mayor Junaid Azim Matoo, DC Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudary, Advisors to Governor Farooq Ahmad Khan and Vijay Kumar, J&K Police Chief Dilbagh Singh, IGP S.P Pani and other dignitaries. Pertinently, a host of events have been organized and a few major ones are lined up to mark the 20 years of the conflict.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year to commemorate India’s spectacular victory on this day in 1999. Indian Army launched ‘Operation Vijay’ in May 1999 to evict the Pakistani Army intruders from Kargil heights.
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, 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 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 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 a wreath in proud remembrance of the valiant heroes who participated in the operations.
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.