Kargil War: What happened 20 years ago?

One of the most prominent wars between India and neighbouring country Pakistan, the Kargil War or the Kargil conflict took place between May 3 and July 26 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LOC). In India, the famous Kargil conflict is also referred to as Operation Vijay, which was the name of the Indian operation to clear the Kargil sector.

Since 1999, July 26 is celebrated as the Kargil Vijay Diwas in India, every year, to celebrate the victory of operation Vijay. While the 60-day long war resulted in loss of life on both the sides, India won the war by regaining control of all the previously held territory, re-establishing the status quo ante bellum.

To honour the Kargil War's Heroes, who laid down their life for the country, July 26 is celebrated in their memory. From Kargil–Dras sector in North India, to Delhi and Assam, functions are organised all over the country to commemorate the contributions of the armed forces.

After the signing of peaceful Lahore Declaration in February 1999, promising to provide a peaceful and bilateral solution to the Kashmir conflict, some elements of the Pakistani Armed Forces infiltrated into the Indian side of the line of control (LOC). The infiltration, named as ‘Operation Badr’, aimed at severing the link between Kashmir and Ladakh and cause Indian forces to withdraw from the Siachen Glacier.

However, the Government of India responded with Operation Vijay, with the war coming to an official end on July 26, 1999, thus marking it as Kargil Vijay Diwas. A total of 527 Indian soldiers bravely lost their lives during the war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas-2019 in Dras

To rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay, the Indian Army is busy preparing for 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Dras, which will be celebrated on 26^th of July.

President Ram Nath Kovind is expected to be in Dras for the celebrations on July 26 morning. The Kargil victory flame is being carried in a relay from New Delhi to Dras in Kargil. Rajnath Singh handed over the flame to ace army shooter Subedar Jitu Rai in the national capital.

The victory flame is being carried by Indian Army's outstanding sportsmen and war heroes. It will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Dras passing through nine major cities of North India. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will receive the victory flame on July 26 in Dras.

During the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the three services' chiefs - Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy - would be present for the wreath laying ceremony at Dras War Memorial. There will also be a flypast by the Indian Air Force and Army at the location.