Published 08:35 IST, July 26th 2024

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History, Significance, And All You Need To Know About Kargil War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil today to mark the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas

Reported by: Navya Dubey
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Kargil 25th Vijay Diwas | Image: ANI/PTI
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Kargil Vijay Diwas: Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to pay  honor the courage of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation during the Kargil War of 1999 

This event marks the end of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, which began in May 1999. Indian forces successfully recaptured strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.

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Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History

In 1971, India and Pakistan were involved in a major war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. They continue to compete over control of the Siachen Glacier by setting up military posts on nearby mountains. When the two countries tested their nuclear weapons in 1998, the animosity between the neighbours touched an all-time high. Tensions between the two countries reached a peak when they both tested nuclear weapons in 1998 they signed the Lahore Declaration in February 1999, seeking a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.

During the winter of 1998-1999, the Pakistani army secretly sent troops to the Kargil region in Ladakh to capture positions that would give them an advantage over movement on NH 1A. Their aim was to influence local military and civilian activities. The Indian military mistook the infiltrators for radicalised terrorists but it soon became clear that the situation was more serious and well-planned. In response, the Indian army mobilized about 200,000 troops to the area, leading to the start of the war.

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Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Significance

Kargil Diwas commemorates the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the 1999 Kargil War. During this conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, 527 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The Pakistani forces covertly entered Indian territory and took control of vital mountain outposts the Indian Army  bravely fought and reclaimed those mountain spots. India emerged victorious as the Pakistani army was forced to withdraw.

All You Need To Know About Kargil War:

Date: July 26, 1999

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Location: Kargil district, Jammu and Kashmir

Duration: 60 days

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Indian casualties: 527 soldiers martyred, 1,363 injured

Pakistani casualties: Estimated 2,000-4,000 soldiers killed

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Outcome: Decisive victory for India, recapture of Indian territory

Kargil Vijay Diwas honours these brave warriors who put their lives in danger protecting the sovereignty of the country. 

08:35 IST, July 26th 2024