State pays rich tributes to Kargil War heroes

IMPHAL, Jul 26
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led others in paying rich tributes to Kargil War heroes as the State joined Kargil Vijay Diwas, 2026 observation at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), here today.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor stated “We stand united to pay our respects to the valiant soldiers of our Indian Armed Forces for their unparalleled valour and sacrifice to protect the land of this country during the Kargil War of 1999.”
He maintained that the people of Manipur have a wonderful legacy of patriotism by serving in the va- rious premier services like Army, Navy, Air Force and Assam Rifles and Central Paramilitary Forces.
Their contribution is unquestionable and it’s always heartening to see people from Manipur serving in these elite security forces, he added.
Delivering his presidential speech, Khemchand Singh stated that Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed across the Nation, including Manipur, to commemorate India's victory in the Kargil War.
He maintained that the victory was made possible through the courage, valour and unwavering determination of the Indian Armed Forces.
Khemchand said that the Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, was a major challenge for the Nation.
He stated that Pakistani Army personnel, along with Kashmiri terrorists, had crossed the border and entered Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir with the objective of disrupting National Highway 1-A, which connects Srinagar and Leh.
However, he added that the strategic highway was successfully safeguarded by the bravery and determination of the Indian soldiers.
He added, during the War, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, which lasted for 78 days.
The operation claimed the lives of around 527 soldiers, including five brave soldiers from Manipur, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Regarding the “Operation Safed Sagar” carried out by Indian Air Forces during the Kargil War, the Chief Minister stated that thousands of air strikes were carried out and helicopters were deployed to provide crucial support to soldiers engaged in ground operations.
He added that the air strikes were highly successful as they forced enemy forces out of their hideouts and disrupted their supply of essential provisions.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the pilots carried out the operation with remarkable courage and successfully accomplished their mission.
The Indian Navy carried out Operation Talwar, during which it effectively disabled key Pakistani ports and disrupted the country's sea routes, significantly weakening its operational capabilities, he added.
Khemchand stressed that the Indian soldiers displayed exemplary courage, unwavering determination and an unflinching commitment in safeguarding the Nation's territorial integrity.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the State to work together with a sense of shared responsibility and collective commitment towards building a stronger and more developed Nation.
The observance programme was attended by Govindas Konthoujam, Minister (Home); Khuraijam Loken Singh, Minister (Tourism); MLAs; Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary; Kuldiep Singh, Advisor (Security) to Government of Manipur; Mukesh Singh, Director General of Police (DGP); high ranking civil and police officials; Central security forces; ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, among others.