Sajid Raina
Drass, Jul 26: Paying tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said that Indian security forces fought against impossible odds, climbed near-vertical cliffs under heavy enemy fire in extreme weather conditions at high altitudes, and yet emerged victorious.
He extended his greetings to the Indian Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the nation’s soldiers.
In a post on X, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) stated: “General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), extends heartfelt greetings to all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces, veterans, Veer Naris and their families. Saluting our soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Their courage and sacrifice will continue to guide us. Let us honour their actions by serving the nation with duty and commitment.”
Despite the enemy occupying higher mountain peaks with fortified positions, the Indian Armed Forces carried out the operation with coordination and discipline, he said, adding that the terrain, weather, and enemy advantage made the operation challenging, but the forces completed their mission.
In his message, CDS Chauhan said, “The enemy, having occupied higher mountain peaks with fortified positions, had the advantage and the element of surprise. Our forces climbed steep cliffs under heavy enemy fire, in difficult weather conditions and at high altitudes, and completed the operation. This action reflects the leadership of young officers who guided their troops in complex conditions.”
The Kargil conflict, which lasted over two months in 1999, ended with the Indian Armed Forces regaining control of key positions. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 in memory of those who lost their lives during the operation.
Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, marked a turning point in how India would respond to cross-border threats.
Speaking at a ceremony on Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass, the Army Chief, as per KNO, said the May 6–7 operation was aimed at neutralising high-value targets in Pakistan and areas under its control in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The operation avoided civilian harm and was intended to send a clear message that the support system behind cross-border attacks would face direct consequences,” he said.
General Dwivedi said that following this strike, the Indian Army remained prepared between May 7 and 9 to respond to any further action from across the border.
The armed forces, he said, acted within a wider government strategy that involved multiple security agencies working together.
