Amid a surge in attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan on Kargil Vijay Diwas, saying India would defeat every terror challenge. The Prime Minister also carried out the "first blast" for the Shinkun La tunnel in Ladakh, which, at 15,800 feet, will be the highest when completed.
Addressing a gathering at Kargil War Memorial, PM Modi said India not only won the Kargil War 25 years ago, but gave a wonderful example of "truth, restraint and strength". PM Modi said Pakistan had failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past but was trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war.
"Pakistan has not learnt anything from its history. Today I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed. Our soldiers will crush terrorism with full force and the enemy will be given a befitting reply," PM Modi said.
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the success of "Operation Vijay", reclaiming the positions occupied by Pakistani infiltrators on the Indian side of the LoC in the Kargil sector after a nearly three-month-long battle in Ladakh. The day is observed as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the war.
"Today, this great land of Ladakh is witnessing the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Kargil Vijay Diwas tells us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal," he said.
PM Modi also attacked the opposition for politicising the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the Army, saying they were deliberately misleading the youth. He also said his government had made defence reforms the first priority of the defence sector.
"Some people are also spreading the misconception that the government has brought this scheme to save pension money. The question of pension for today's recruits will arise after 30 years. Why would the government take a decision on it today? It should have left it for the governments of that time. We have respected this decision taken by the armed forces because for us, national security is paramount, not politics," he said.
He also underscored that infrastructure development and the tourism sector were also growing rapidly in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
"Be it Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir, India will defeat every challenge that comes in the way of development. In a few days, on August 5, it will be 5 years since Article 370 was abolished. Jammu and Kashmir is talking about a new future, talking about big dreams," PM Modi said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister laid a wreath at Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh and paid homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives while fighting valiantly during the Kargil War 25 years ago.
The Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1-km-long twin-tube tunnel that will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh.
Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of the armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.
On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, several leaders across party lines paid their tributes to the 545 soldiers who laid down their lives fighting the Pakistani intruders in Kargil in 1999.
"Their unwavering commitment, valour and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe and secure. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and our coming generations," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of the unwavering resolve of the valour of the brave soldiers of the army. In the Kargil war, the brave soldiers displayed the ultimate valour in the inaccessible hills of the Himalayas and forced the enemy's army to kneel down and made the country proud by hoisting the tricolour again in Kargil."
"Today on "Kargil Vijay Diwas" I salute the brave soldiers who protected the motherland with their courage in this war. The grateful nation will never forget your sacrifice, dedication and sacrifice," he added.
Congress President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, also paid his respects to Kargil War heroes in a post on X.
"Congratulations to our brave soldiers, their families and all Indians on the occasion of 25th 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. We bow our heads in tribute to the martyrdom of our heroes who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting our motherland in the Kargil war. We are proud of his indomitable courage and valour. Jai Hind," he wrote in his post on X.
Union Minister and BJP President JP Nada also remembered the sacrifice of the bravehearts and wrote, "Today, on 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', I pay my heartfelt tribute to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the brave soldiers who gave their all in the service of Mother India. Hearty congratulations to all countrymen on 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' which reminds us of the resolve to keep the sovereignty and pride of the nation intact. This day, which reminds us of the valour, courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, will always inspire us to perform our duties towards the nation."
