India celebrates 14th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas today. On July 26, 1999 Indian soldiers had finally pushed the Pakistani intruders and soldiers back from the icy heights of Kargil after successfully executing the ‘Operation Vijay’. On this memorable day all Indians pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives during the Kargil war for the sake of the nation.

The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days and finally India won the battle. After Pakistani intrusion in Kargil on 3rd May 1999 reported by local shepherds, Indian Army patrol was sent to the war zone on 5th May and it was opening of the war. However, Pakistan at first was not ready to accept direct involvement of Pakistani troupes in this intrusion and claimed the attackers as Kashmiris. But soon the fact was revealed following release of documents by the Indian Army, recovered from three Pakistani soldiers indicating Pakistan’s involvement.

Though India got victory, the nation had to pay a huge price with the death of about 527 Indian soldiers, who fought with great valor and sacrificed their life for the nation to recapture the posts, temporarily occupied by Pakistan.

A number of Indian soldiers were honored with gallantry awards for their great efforts in the Kargil war. Today, it is time to recall those great patriots’ names to pay them tributes. They are – Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers, Param Vir Chakra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, Param Vir Chakra, Posthumous, Captain Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rifles, Param Vir Chakra, Posthumous, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles, Param Vir Chakra, Captain Anuj Nayyar,17 JAT Regiment, Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, 18 Grenadiers, Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous, Major Saravanan, 1 Bihar, Vir Chakra, Posthumous and Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, Indian Air Force, Vir Chakra, Posthumous.

Besides these war heroes, there are hundreds of other soldiers whom we pay our heartfelt homage for their great contribution during the Kargil war. We pay tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil war on this 14th Anniversary who dedicated their lives for the cause of the nation.