Around 527 Indian soldiers were killed and 1360 others were injured in the war. The Regiment of Artillery, which was the backbone of the Indian Army, alone lost three valiant officers and 32 brave soldiers
Eyes became moist and pride filled the hearts when the troops sounded the last post to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Kargil War.
On this day 17 years ago the Operation Vijay officially came to an end after Indian Army drove-out all Pakistani Army soldiers disguising as intruders and recaptured the mountain peaks and heights in Kargil and Drass sub sectors in Ladakh division.
Around 527 Indian soldiers were killed and 1360 others were injured in the war that was fought on one of the difficult and inhospitable terrains. The Regiment of Artillery, which was the backbone of the Indian Army, alone lost three valiant officers and 32 brave soldiers.
Indian Army artillery fired over 2, 50, 000 shells, bombs and rockets to pulverize the enemy positions. The fire power used to drive-out Pakistani Army soldiers, disguising as intruders, from the mountain peaks, was only second to the World War II.
A grand function was held at Drass to pay rich tributes to the martyrs of Operation Vijay. The occasion was used by the armed forces to renew their pledge to safeguard the honor and territorial integrity of
the nation with steely resolve.
The main function was held at the War Memorial at Drass, which was the epicenter of the 1999 war against Pakistani troops. Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda interacted with the 'next of kin' of the martyrs, Veer Naris (war widows) and the gallantry award winners.
Lt Gen Hooda chose the occasion to expose Pakistan's role in fomenting trouble, supporting infiltration and resorting to ceasefire violations along the line of control (LoC) "Pakistan has been interfering and has a direct role in what we are calling the proxy war in Kashmir. So there is absolutely no doubt in our mind. We are seeing from the manner in which support is being given to infiltrating groups. We have seen how sometimes ceasefire violations along the Line of Control are actually in support of people who are infiltrating inside," Lt Gen Hooda told reporters at Drass
Northern Army Commander noted that that if there is an internal disturbance, they (Pakistan) will directly take advantage of it.
"You have heard statements by Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba trying to say, they are supporting whatever is happening in Kashmir. The support is not moral, it is absolute physical support and there is no doubt on that in our minds," he said.
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