Nation pays homage to Kargil heroes on Vijay Diwas

It is 15 years since we won the historic Kargil war in 1999 against Pakistan. To pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to win back Indian territory from the Pakistani-intruders and Army, a commemoration ceremony was organised at the National Military Memorial.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Siddaramaih said that the sacrifice of the soldiers who lost their lives in the war for the country and their families, is irreplaceable.

"This Kargil Vijay Diwas, I want to ask our youth to join the armed forces and serve the country. We have to continue our endeavor to encourage and support our soldiers who are protecting our country,'' the CM said.

Union Minister for Railways DV Sadananda Gowda, on the occasion, recalled how the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Defence Minister George Farnandes visited Kargil to encourage soldiers during the war.

''The Narendra Modi government has allocated Rs1 lakh crore for the welfare of the soldiers, including for the pension of the retired soldiers.This is the day to show our respect to our soldiers who fought bravely and died in the war for the country,'' Gowda said.

Around 500 students from various schools attended the function and paid their tributes to the martyrs.

Home Minister KJ George, Leader of Opposition in the legislative council KS Eshwarappa, MLC Ramachandra Gowda and BBMP Mayor Katte Satyanarayana also attended the function to pay their respects to the martyrs.