Jammu, July 26:  People in Jammu and Kashmir gathered in large numbers at Dras War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during 1999 Kargil War. The Indian Army had invited families of the martyrs to remember the sacrifice of the Kargil war heroes. Some of the family members and wives of the martyrs shared their experiences of the loss they had to bear after the war.

The nation is celebrating the 19th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas today. The day marks India's victory over Pakistan in 1999 Kargil War and remembers those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The undetected entry of the Pakistan army disguised as terrorists on crucial heights in Kargil sector in 1999 triggered a conflict lasting for two months which had claimed the lives of over 500 Indian soldiers. Fighting in tough terrain and elements of nature, the Indian forces won these heights through the successful operation.

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind lauded the efforts of the Armed Forces and saluted the sacrifice Kargil martyrs. “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, every Indian acknowledges the efforts and gallantry of our Armed Forces. We salute the ultimate sacrifice of the martyrs of Kargil, and record our everlasting debt to their families”, he tweeted.

On Wednesday, Army jawans reached Kargil on motorcycles riding from Bengaluru to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil war and to encourage the young generation to join the army. The Indian Army took to Twitter to salute the Bravehearts. “26 July immortalized as Kargil Vijay Diwas is the saga of glorious victory of the Nation during Kargil Conflict in May-July 1999. #IndianArmy soldiers fought legendary battles in Dras, Kaksar, Batalik & Turtok Sectors. #Salute to courage, valour & sacrifice of our martyrs & heroes”, the Army tweeted.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2018 08:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).