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Key Points

Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi paid tribute to Kargil War heroes during the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras. He emphasized India's strong response through Operation Sindoor against Pakistan's aggression. The COAS recalled the 1999 Operation Vijay, where soldiers reclaimed key posts like Tiger Hill. The event honored the sacrifices of those who secured India's victory in harsh terrains.

Key Points: COAS Upendra Dwivedi Honors Kargil Heroes at Vijay Diwas Event

  • COAS Upendra Dwivedi honors Kargil War martyrs at Dras celebrations
  • Highlights India's decisive victory in Operation Sindoor
  • Recalls 1999 Operation Vijay against Pakistani intruders
  • Salutes soldiers who reclaimed Tiger Hill and Tololing
2 min read

Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message, response: COAS Upendra Dwivedi on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, hailing Operation Sindoor as India's decisive response to Pakistan's aggression.

"Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response. — COAS Upendra Dwivedi"

Kargil, July 26

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday addressed the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at the Dras town in Ladakh, where he highlighted India's "unbreakable unity", which was showcased during Operation Vijay in 1999 and also during Operation Sindoor 26 years later.

"Keeping up with the tradition of unbreakable Indian unity, the army carried out precision strikes on the terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor and attained a decisive victory, effectively retaliating and knocking down Pakistan's violent attacks, and attained victory," the COAS said while addressing the crowd at the celebrations.

"We gave a chance for peace, but they (Pakistan) acted out of cowardice, to which we answered with courage. Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response. Our air defence stood as a strong wall against drones and missiles," he added.

Operation Vijay in 1999 was Army's response after Pakistani soldiers crossed India's borders and captured high hill posts. The conflict, later turned into the Kargil War. COAS Dwivedi said just like with the 199 operation, India had given a similar reply to Pakistan by targeting terrorist infrastructure with Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking about the historic site which was captured by Pakistan forces in 1999 and subsequently taken back, the COAS remembered the valour of the soldiers and saluted those who sacrificed their lives.

"We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors. We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we can live peacefully. We remember the resolve they had in their eyes, their dedication with which they went through difficulties. In 1999, India achieved an unparalleled victory under Operation Vijay, chasing away the Pakistani soldiers on high hill posts, and hoisting the tricolour there," General Dwivedi said during his speech.

The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya N
While I respect our armed forces, I wonder if we're spending too much time looking back at Kargil when we should focus on current challenges. The COAS speech was inspiring but we need more concrete steps to prevent future conflicts through diplomacy too.
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Vikram M
Jai Hind! The way our soldiers fought in those impossible mountain conditions still gives me chills. My cousin was posted in Dras during the war - the stories he tells... We can never repay their sacrifice. Operation Sindoor proves we've only grown stronger since 1999.
A
Anjali F
As a school teacher, I make sure to teach my students about Kargil War every year. Our children should know the price of freedom. General Dwivedi's speech was perfect - strong yet dignified. Pakistan never learns its lesson, does it?
S
Sanjay K
The precision strikes in Operation Sindoor show how far our military capabilities have come since 1999. But we must invest more in modernizing our forces - drones, cyber warfare etc. Pakistan won't stop trying to create trouble.
N
Neha R
Emotional day for every Indian. My father served in the Army and always says Kargil was the toughest battle he witnessed. The COAS words "We gave chance for peace..." hit hard. Sometimes strength is the only language some understand. 🙏

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