Raksha Mantri pays homage to Martyrs at Kargil War Memorial at Dras
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Jul 20, 2019, 05:44 pm IST
The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh felicitating a trooper at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras, in Jammu and Kashmir on July 20, 2019
The Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Jammu and Kashmir today. The Raksha Mantri commenced his visit by laying a wreath in memory of the gallant martyrs of Operation VIJAY at the iconic Kargil War Memorial, which was followed by observing of one minute silence as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes.
He subsequently visited the ‘Veer Bhoomi’ and the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ which are co-located in the Memorial premises. During his visit, the Raksha Mantri was briefed on Operation VIJAY including the heroic actions of the Indian troops in thwarting the evil designs of the enemy in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik Sectors.
As part of the commemoration of the 20thanniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated a ‘Memory Lane’ which displays information on a few important battles. The ‘Memory Lane’ recapitulates the gallant deeds of the brave Indian Army Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans who fought against all odds to rid the Indian territory of enemy intruders.
Later, Lieutenant General YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding Fire & Fury Corps, himself a veteran of Operation VIJAY, briefed the Raksha Mantri at Lamochan View Point on various battles that took place during the Kargil War in 1999. The Raksha Mantri also took the opportunity to share a cup of tea and interact with the soldiers presently deployed in the Sector. He appreciated the dedication of the troops who are defending the borders, in these challenging conditions and conveyed the appreciation of the Nation to the Indian Army, for always keeping ‘Nation First’.
Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy andDepartment of SpaceDr Jitendra Singh, the Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat and the General Officer Commanding in Chief Northern Command Lt Gen Ranbir Singh were also present on the occasion.
Celebration of 20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas by BSF
To mark the 20th anniversary of victory in ‘Operation Vijay’, the Kargil War – all formations of Border Security Force will be conducting series of activities involving the stakeholders of border areas. Kargil Vijay Diwas is the day of pride for the Nation in general. It is the day to remember the martyrs, rejoice their sacrifices and strengthen the resolve of the armed forces to the cause of the nation.The armed forces after all draw their strength and motivation from the unflinching support of their countrymen. BSF aims to reach them with the righteous cause of joint celebration of the victory.
In a week long programme, the following efforts at outreach and for joint celebrations would be made: –
Felicitating the family members of martyrs and gallantry awardees of all uniformed forces (including state police) residing in border areas.
Organizing drawing competitions and patriotic song competition in the primary schools of the area.
Organizing debates on subjects with patriotic themes in secondary schools.
Open competition for patriotic slogans.
Prabhat Pheries/Cycle rallies.
5 Kms runs – “Run for Martyr”.
Band display at prominent locations, playing the patriotic tunes.
Weapon display.
Display of movies/photo galleries showcasing contribution of the forces in national security in the border areas.
Visit of school children (NCC, Scouts, NSSetc) to forward locations as a “KNOW YOUR FORCE” campaign.
Camel Safari in Rajasthan.
Blood donation camps.
Organizing lecture by senior BSF officers in school and colleges to encourage the youth to join uniformed service.
Showcasing role of BSF units and subunits in the Kargil War.
Border Security Force will make endeavour to reach out to border population to make them aware of contributions of armed forces in national security and nation building. The saga of Kargil war will be retold to the people commemorating the supreme sacrifices of force personnel. The complete programme aims to re-enthuse the confidence towards security forces and also to work as a catalyst to motivate youth to join the Armed forces.
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