Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day is observed annually across India on 26th July to observe India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war 1999 and also pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil war.
- 26th July 2023, mark the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The operation that took place during the war is known as Operation Vijay.
Background:
i.The war between India and Pakistan started after Pakistani troops intruded the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir (now in Ladakh).
ii.The infiltration was a violation of the Shimla Agreement, signed in 1972 by India and Pakistan.
iii.The Indian army launched “Operation Vijay” after the first infiltration was reported on May 3, 1999.
iv.The armed conflict was fought for more than 60 days from May to July 1999.
v.On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army declared Operation Vijay a success after taking over all the strategic peaks taken over by Pakistani infiltrators.
Operation Vijay:
i.The mission of Operation Vijay was to recapture the famous “Tiger Hill” and all the territories occupied by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC).
ii.During the operations a total of 674 Indian soldiers made sacrifice and were awarded 4 Param Vir Chakra, 10 Maha Vir Chakra and 70 Vir Chakra among others for gallantry.
Note: Every year, on the Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister of India pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil war, at Amar Jawan at the India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi.
Events in 2023:
i.On 22nd July 2023, Indian Army undertook a Motorcycle Expedition from Kohima, Nagaland to Kargil, Ladakh and paid homage to the soldiers during the ‘Battle of Mashkoh’ in Operation Vijay.
ii.To celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a year-long programme has been planned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), that commenced from 26th July, 2023.
About Pakistan:
Prime minister- Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Capital- Islamabad
Currency- Pakistani rupee (PKR)
