Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan during his address at the Kargil Vijay Diwas Shradhanjali Samaroh, held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War. Speaking from the battlegrounds of Drass, Ladakh, PM Modi emphasised India’s commitment to crushing terrorism and highlighted the progress and development in the region since the abolition of Article 370.
In his address, PM Modi sharply criticised Pakistan for its persistent use of terrorism and proxy war to destabilise the region. “Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past. But Pakistan has not learned anything from its history. It is trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war. 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,” he asserted.
#WATCH | Ladakh: PM Narendra Modi says, "Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past. But Pakistan has not learned anything from its history. It is trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war. Today I am speaking from a place where… pic.twitter.com/HQbzjcVKVq
— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2024
Reflecting on the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi underscored the eternal memory of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the 1999 conflict. “Today, the majestic land of Ladakh marks a significant milestone – 25 years since the triumphant victory of Kargil. Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for our nation are eternal and forever remembered. As time passes, days turn into months, months into years, and years into centuries – the names of those who laid down their lives for the sake of national security remain etched in our collective memory, forever immortalised!” he declared.
PM Modi recalled his own experiences during the Kargil War, expressing a deep sense of honor for having been among the soldiers as a common citizen. “Now, as I stand again on the sacred soil of Kargil, it’s natural for those memories to resurface. I remember how our forces successfully executed the operation despite the extreme and challenging battle conditions,” he added.
Further, he highlighted the resilience and truth of the Indian forces, emphasising that falsehood and terror were defeated in the face of truth. “I bow down with respect to all the brave warriors who brought victory to the country. I pay homage to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Kargil to protect the motherland. In Kargil, we not only won the war, we also gave a wonderful example of ‘truth, restraint and strength’. You know, India was trying for peace at that time, and in return, Pakistan once again showed its untrustworthy face. But falsehood and terror were defeated in the face of truth,” he declared.
PM Modi also spoke about the significant progress made in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370, which will mark its fifth anniversary on August 5. “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… Along with infrastructure development, the tourism sector is also growing rapidly in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. After decades, a cinema hall has opened in Kashmir. After 3 and a half decades, the Tazia procession was taken out in Srinagar for the first time. Our heaven on earth is rapidly moving towards peace and harmony,” he stated.
#WATCH | Ladakh: PM Narendra Modi says, "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,… pic.twitter.com/Iss2H6B5XO
— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2024
PM Modi paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during the Kargil War. He laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, honoring the heroes of Operation Vijay, which successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir from infiltrators.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. The day serves as a reminder of the valor, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the Indian Armed Forces, who fought under extreme conditions to secure the nation’s borders.
In his concluding remarks, PM Modi reiterated India’s resolve to maintain peace and security while ensuring development and prosperity in the region. “Our tricolor is not waving because the wind is blowing, but it is waving with the last breath of the martyred soldiers,” he said, saluting the bravery and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces.
