Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat pays homage to Kargil martyrs

Paying tribute to Kargil war heroes several of whom hailed from Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Saturday said the entire country salutes the brave sons of the hill state who don't hesitate when it comes to making the ultimate sacrifice to secure the nation's frontiers.

"Be it the Kargil war, or other wars with China and Pakistan, soldiers of Uttarakhand have always come forward to lay down their lives for the safety of our borders.

"The entire country honours this sentiment and salutes them for their exemplary acts of valour," Rawat said paying homage to Kargil martyrs here on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Kargil war. At least one member from each family in Uttarakhand is in the armed forces.

Accompanied by Army Welfare Minister Harak Singh Rawat and a host of officials, Rawat placed a wreath of flowers on the Kargil Shaheed Smarak here and also took part in a programme held at ONGC community centre to mark the occasion.

At another programme held at Haldwani in Nainital district on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Indira Hridayesh said brave soldiers and officers from Uttarakhand have made a significant contribution to the glorious history of the Indian Army.