Every year, July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas in memory of Operation Vijay.
Today is the 13th anniversary of the Kargil war victory. Here are some important facts associated with this operation, that will continue to be remembered for years to come.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
July 26 is oberved as Kargil Vijay Diwas in memory of the successful Operation Vijay. On this day in 1999, Indian soldiers regained control of outposts that had been intruded into by Pakistan. Tiger Hill, a mountain in the Kargi -Drass area of Jammu & Kashmir, was the most crucial point of the Kargil War. Its recapture played a key role in this war.
Homage
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated in the Kargi-Drass sector and in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister pays homage to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year.
Location
Kargil is located 205 km from Srinagar. It has a temperate climate. Summers are cool with frigid nights, while winters are long and chilly with temperatures touching −48 °C.
Battle lines
The Kargil war was fought for more than 2 months, from May to July 1999. Pakistan eventually gave in to international diplomatic pressure. Over 500 Indian soldiers and around 600-4,000 Pakistani militants and soldiers are believed to have been killed.
Leadership
At the time of the Kargil war, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister of India. The Kargil victory boosted his image and popularity across the country.
Films
Movies like JP Dutta's LOC: Kargil and Farhan Akhtar's Lakshya have been made on the Kargil conflict.