26th Kargil Vijay Diwas: Drass Ceremony Celebrates Valor, Signals Strong Anti-Terror Stance

DRASS, LADAKH– The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated with profound reverence and national pride at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, on Saturday, as Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi honored the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War and reaffirmed India’s resolute stance against terrorism.

The day’s events blended solemn tributes, military showcases, and community engagement, celebrating the legacy of Operation Vijay and India’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty.

Addressing a gathering at the hallowed battleground, General Dwivedi paid tribute to the 490 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1999.

“Standing on this sacred soil of Drass, I feel immense pride and emotion, remembering our valiant warriors who defended the nation against Pakistan’s evil designs,” he said, marking his fourth consecutive Kargil Vijay Diwas at the memorial.

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He extended heartfelt gratitude to Veer Naris and martyrs’ families, stating, “Your sacrifice inspires the entire nation.”

Highlighting the 1999 victory, General Dwivedi recalled how the Indian Army reclaimed strategic peaks like Tololing and Tiger Hill from Pakistani infiltrators, sending a clear message that India’s borders are inviolable.

He drew parallels to the recent Operation Sindoor, where the Army decisively targeted nine high-value terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoJK on May 6–7, 2025, without civilian casualties.

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“Those who support terrorism will face consequences,” he declared, referencing the response to the Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan’s military actions from May 7–9.General Dwivedi emphasized the Army’s modernization, citing ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades, ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions, and advanced artillery systems like ‘Divyastra’ batteries.

He underscored the Army’s role in nation-building, from dual-use infrastructure in Ladakh to tourism initiatives under the Vibrant Village Programme.

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“Our 1.3 crore-strong service family is a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said. The day featured a flag-hoisting at Lamochan View Point, a wreath-laying ceremony with Union Ministers Mansukh L. Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth, and a 1.5 km padyatra uniting over 1,000 participants.

A cultural program at Vishwanathan Stadium showcased patriotic performances and a drone show, while the Army displayed high-altitude drones and robotic dogs.

Three projects were launched: an e-shradhanjali portal, the Indus Viewpoint in Batalik, and a community engagement initiative.

Urging youth to serve with patriotism, General Dwivedi concluded, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a vow to protect India’s honor till our last breath. We are peaceful, but never weak.”

The celebrations reflected India’s unity, strength, and forward-looking vision, honoring its heroes while inspiring future generations.