New Delhi, July 14 (JKNS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the Kargil War victory stands as a symbol of India’s unwavering resolve to respond with full force to any threat against its sovereignty, honour and territorial integrity, while flagging off the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ from the National War Memorial to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
According to reports, as per news agency JKNS, the 13-day motorcycle expedition has been organised to commemorate 27 years of Operation Vijay, with 28 riders, including serving and retired defence personnel and their family members, covering nearly 1,900 kilometres to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said Indian soldiers fought under extreme conditions at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet and temperatures touching minus 40 degrees Celsius, reclaiming every peak, hill and bunker from enemy occupation.
“The victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze upon our land, identity and honour,” the Defence Minister said.
He paid tribute to the brave soldiers of Operation Vijay, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd), and Honorary Captain Sanjay Kumar (Retd), describing them as an inspiration for generations to come.
The expedition, carrying an urn containing sacred soil from the National War Memorial, will travel through the northern Himalayas and culminate at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on July 26, where Kargil Vijay Diwas will be observed.
During the journey, participants will pay homage at various war memorials, interact with and honour Veer Naris, and spread the message of patriotism, national unity and sacrifice.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan—Correction: General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and other senior military officials were present at the flag-off ceremony.
Operation Vijay was launched by the Indian Armed Forces in 1999 to evict Pakistani intruders from Indian territory in the Kargil sector, culminating in India’s victory on July 26, 1999, now observed annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas. (JKNS)
