Kargil Vijay Diwas : Red Shield Division to pay tribute to martyrs on 26 July 16

PIB DEFENCE,
Imphal, July 18: Red Shield Division along with RajyaSainik Board, Manipur will commemorate the 17th anniversary of victory in Kargil War on 26 Jul 16.  The function will be held at the RajyaSainik Board Office, Lamphet, Imphal. Similar functions are also being organised in four other districts of the State to include Senapati, Tamenglong, Bishnepur&Churachandpur.  26 Jul 1999 marked the end of the 73 day long Kargil conflict fought from May to Jul 99 which witnessed Indian forces emerging victorious against the Pakistan intruders who had occupied strategic positions in Kargil&Drass Sectors.
The Kargil War, which commenced in May 1999, was launched to flush out Pakistani regular troops and terrorists who had infiltrated into Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC). The battle ensued at altitudes of upto 18,000 feet in very rugged and rocky terrain.  The war resulted in the supreme sacrifice by hundreds of soldiers on both sides and left thousands injured. Pakistan fatalities were estimated around 700 and we, on the other hand, lost 500 soldiers and more than a thousand injured. Captain VikramBatra, Captain Manoj Kumar Panday, NaibSubedarYogendra Singh Yadav and Rfn Sanjay Kumar were awarded the nation’s highest gallantry award ParamVir Chakra for their exemplary courage.  Seven soldiers from Manipur namely Lance NaikKaleshor, Sepoy Charles Nicholas Moyon, SepoyBeningvirMoyon, Lance NaikBirneithang, SepoyZamkholalVaiphei, SepoyKapaniAsuil and SepoyDaikho Mao also made the supreme sacrifice while fighting for the Nation. The Army acknowledges and honours the sacrifice of these brave Manipur soldiers who laid down their lives and, on this occasion, it renews, it renews its commitment towards the next of kin of these martyrs.
Vijay Diwas will also be celebrated at all district headquarters under the aegis of the newly established ZilaSainik Board with the support from the local army formation headquarters at Senapati, Tamenglong, Bishnepur&Churachandpur. Support from State Government has also been sought to ensure that event to be a grand success. The Chief Secy has kindly consented to preside over the function as the Chief Guest of the function and other civilian dignitaries are also likely to attend. The Veer Naries and next of kin of the martyrs will be honoured and felicitated during the function. Maximum members of the newly formed Retired Officers Association of Manipur will also grace the occasion.