Imphal, July 26 (IANS) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday led the state in paying heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, marking the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Addressing the commemorative programme organised by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal, the Governor said the nation stands united in saluting the unparalleled courage, unwavering determination and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, whose valour safeguarded the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during the Kargil conflict.
He added that Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a day of remembrance but also an occasion to reaffirm the nation’s enduring gratitude towards the armed forces and to draw inspiration from their extraordinary courage and selfless service to the country.
He said that the people of Manipur have a wonderful legacy of patriotism by serving in the various premier services like Army, Navy, Air Force and, Assam Rifles and Central Paramilitary Forces.
Their contribution is unquestionable and it’s always heartening to see people from Manipur serving in these elite security forces, he added.
The Governor paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who have, across generations, defended the nation against external aggression with unwavering courage and selfless devotion.
Recalling the valour of the Kargil heroes and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the country’s armed forces in safeguarding India’s sovereignty, including their recent role in Operation Sindoor, Governor Bhalla said that their service continues to inspire the nation.
He also paid homage to the Veer Naris and Veer Matas, whose strength, resilience and sacrifices remain an enduring source of inspiration for the country.
The Governor also added that Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as an enduring symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and national pride, and urged everyone to honour the martyrs and their families.
Highlighting Manipur’s rich legacy of service in the Indian Armed Forces, Governor Bhalla encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the nation’s brave soldiers and dedicate themselves to serving the country with discipline, commitment and patriotism.
The Governor also emphasised that national security is a collective responsibility and called upon citizens to strengthen peace, harmony and national integration as India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Delivering his Presidential speech, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said that Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed across the nation, including Manipur, to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War.
He added that the victory was made possible through the courage, valour and unwavering determination of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Chief Minister said that the Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, was a major challenge for the nation.
He added that Pakistani Army personnel, along with Kashmiri terrorists, had crossed the border and entered the Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir with the objective of disrupting National Highway 1-A, which connects Srinagar and Leh.
However, he said that the strategic highway was successfully safeguarded by the bravery and determination of the Indian soldiers.
Khemchand Singh added, during the War, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, which lasted for 78 days.
The operation claimed the lives of around 527 soldiers, including five brave soldiers from Manipur, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Regarding the Indian Air Forces conducting “Operation Safed Sagar” during the Kargil War, the Chief Minister said that thousands of air strikes were carried out and deployed helicopters to provide crucial support to soldiers engaged in ground operations.
He added that the air strikes were highly successful, as they forced enemy forces out of their hideouts and disrupted their supply of essential provisions.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the pilots carried out the operation with remarkable courage and successfully accomplished their mission.
“The Indian Navy carried out Operation Talwar, during which it effectively disabled key Pakistani ports and disrupted the country’s sea routes, significantly weakening its operational capabilities,” he said.
Khemchand Singh stressed that the Indian soldiers displayed exemplary courage, unwavering determination and an unflinching commitment in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur to work together with a sense of shared responsibility and collective commitment towards building a stronger and more developed nation.
The observance programme was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Art, Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, High ranking Civil and Police Officials, Central Security Forces, ex-servicemen and Veer Nari, among others.
–IANS
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