Central Command celebrated Kargil Vijay Diwas with due solemnity and dignity. The day marked the first anniversary of successful conclusion of operation Vijay launched in the wake of Pakistan aggression in Kargil. The theme of the day at the Central Command was inculcation of national and security awareness. A number of programmes were organised in UP, MP, Bihar and Orissa to recall the sacrifices of brave soldiers, Sailors and Airmen as also to reiterate the exemplary unity and sense of purpose displayed by the entire nation during the Kargil conflict.

Wreath-laying and candle lighting ceremonies were held at Smritika, the War Memorial at Lucknow Cantonment on the occasion, Besides the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Dr Suraj Bhan and Central Army Commander, Lt Gen Surjit Singh, many senior serving and retired officers of the Army and Air Force paid their homage to the martyrs of operation Vijay. Among the invitees to the solemn ceremony were next of kin of martyrs including the parents of martyr Capt Manoj Pandey, a recipient of Param Vir Chakra. The awardees were given a special place of honour during the ceremony. The Airmen paid tribute to the valour of service martyrs by carrying out a fly-past with three MIG-21 aircraft flying in ‘Missing Boy’ formation. A pictorial exhibition on the operation Vijay was also organised. Wreath-laying, candle lighting ceremonies, defence exhibitions and pictorial exhibition was organised at major military stations in the states of UP, MP, Bihar and Orissa.

Out of 523 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during operation Vijay, 172 hailed from UP, 9 from MP, 20 from Bihar and 7 from Orissa. Speaking on the occasion, the Army Commander, expressed his gratitude to all the government and non-government organisations that had instituted schemes for rehabilitation and relief for families of the martyrs. The occasion reminded everyone of the patriotism and deep sense of solidarity that the entire nation displayed during the Kargil conflict.

Mediapersons were given an opportunity to get a first hand account of the operations and also interact with the award-winning soldiers present at the station. Rfn Sanjay Kumar, who has been decorated with the highest award for bravery Param Vir Chakra, was also present on the occasion.

Observing Kargil Vijay Diwas was a befitting tribute to the martyrs and acknowledging the solidarity displayed by the citizens of India during operation Vijay.

text : Dhirendra Ojha