What did Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi say on Kargil Vijay Diwas?

Drass (Ladakh), July 26 (NationPress) Commemorating the 26th year since India's triumph in the Kargil War, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, emphasized that in upholding the legacy of Operation Vijay, the Indian Armed Forces have once again thwarted aggressive military maneuvers from Pakistan. He conveyed a strong message that anyone who supports and facilitates terrorism will face consequences.

During a ceremony in Drass, Ladakh for Kargil Vijay Diwas, General Dwivedi honored the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War while safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.

In his speech, he expressed, "I am deeply proud and emotional to be on this sacred battlefield of Drass, where our courageous soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. On this significant occasion, we remember the immortal martyrs and celebrate the 26th anniversary of our historic victory against Pakistan's malicious intentions. This marks the fourth consecutive year I am honored to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial -- twice as the Northern Army Commander and now as the Chief of Army Staff."

He conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the families of the Kargil War heroes, stating, "You entrusted the nation with your brave hearts; your bravery, resilience, and sacrifice inspire us all. Today, the entire country honors your unparalleled sacrifice and steadfast patriotism."

Reflecting on events from 2024, General Dwivedi noted the initiation of construction on the Shinku La tunnel during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He pointed out that Kargil Vijay Diwas has transformed from a military event into a nationwide celebration.

"Today, as we stand beneath the heights of Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875, we remember not just the war but the spirit of the warriors. We honor their determination, the courage that allowed them to conquer every obstacle. We pay tribute to those heroes who gave their lives for our peace and dignity," he stated.

Discussing the 1999 conflict, General Dwivedi remarked, "In 1999, the Indian Army achieved an extraordinary victory on the peaks of Kargil under Operation Vijay. We drove out Pakistani soldiers and infiltrators, hoisting the Indian flag on those snow-covered mountains. This was the moment when India made it clear that no malicious intent would be tolerated within its borders, nor would the unity and integrity of India be compromised."

General Dwivedi underscored that this commitment of unwavering resolve was evident during the recent Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Army, with similar bravery and determination, decisively targeted Pakistan-backed terrorist infrastructure while effectively counteracting hostile actions across the border.

"Operation Sindoor stands as our resolve, our message, and our answer," he asserted.

Addressing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, he stated, "The terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a grave blow to the entire nation. However, India was resolute this time; the government's decision was to respond decisively. With the unwavering trust of the citizens and the strategic freedom provided by the Government, the Indian Armed Forces delivered a determined and precise response."

He revealed that the Indian Armed Forces successfully destroyed nine significant terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the night of May 6–7.

"We struck these targets without causing harm to any innocent civilians. It sent a clear message that those who support terrorism will not go unpunished," the Army Chief added.

General Dwivedi also discussed how the Armed Forces dealt with Pakistan's military maneuvers between May 7 and 9.

"Our Army Air Defence stood as an unyielding wall that neither fear nor hatred could breach. This was achieved through a Whole-of-Nation Approach, where the Army, Air Force, Navy, and other government sectors worked in unity," he explained.

"Every entity attempting to undermine India's sovereignty, integrity, or public interests has been met with a fitting response and will continue to face such actions," he affirmed.

The Army Chief reiterated the evolution of the Indian Army into a modern and future-ready force.

He elaborated on the formation of all-arms brigades called 'Rudra', which integrate multiple combat units including infantry, mechanized infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems, along with specially designed logistics and combat support systems.

"In alignment with this, agile and lethal special forces units have been established in the form of 'Bhairav' Light Commando Battalions, poised to surprise the enemy at the borders. Drone Platoons have been introduced in every infantry battalion, and artillery units are equipped with 'Divyastra batteries' and Loiter Munition Batteries to significantly amplify firepower. The Army Air Defence is being outfitted with indigenous missile systems," General Dwivedi stated.

He emphasized that the Indian Army is fully prepared to fulfill the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 -- the centenary of India's independence.

"Our greatest strength in nation-building is our extensive service family, comprising about 1.3 crore soldiers. This includes active service members, their families, veterans, and families of martyrs," he noted.

Highlighting the situation in Ladakh, the Army Chief remarked that many soldiers and veterans reside in the region, and the Army not only defends the nation but also plays a crucial role in national development, especially in border areas.

"In Ladakh, numerous dual-use infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and networks, are being developed to provide essential services for both the military and local communities," he mentioned.

He discussed development initiatives under the Vibrant Village Programme and shared that to boost border tourism, efforts in battlefield, spiritual, ecological, heritage, and adventure tourism are being implemented, generating employment for local youth.

"The Army is empowering Indian youth by training them in tour guiding, mountaineering, and adventure sports. Under the Smart Borders initiative, the Army's communication towers are being utilized to extend mobile network services in Ladakh and other remote regions. The Army plays a vital role in relief and rescue operations during natural disasters," he stated.

In addressing veterans, General Dwivedi remarked, "Our veterans -- your sacrifices form the bedrock of our strength. Your dedication and passion for the nation remain invaluable. You are not just the custodians of our glorious legacy of service but also vital pillars of nation-building. I urge young cadets and students to see today not just as a historical moment but as a call to contribute to nation-building. Serve your country with integrity, purity, and patriotism, whether it’s in service, science, education, medicine, or entrepreneurship."

"For us, Kargil Vijay Diwas represents not just a memory; it embodies our vow to fight until our last breath to safeguard the sovereignty, integrity, and honor of India. We are peaceful, yet not weak. We are resolute, vigilant, and steadfast. Our martyrs inspire us. We will carry forward the legacy of our heroes. Let us unite today to pledge that we will make India safe, 'Shashakt' (strong) and 'Viksit' (developed)," the Army Chief concluded.