How Did Uttarakhand Honor the Fallen Heroes on Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025?

Dehradun, July 26 (NationPress) On the significant occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the residents of Uttarakhand united in deep remembrance and profound appreciation to pay homage to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation during the 1999 Kargil War.

Memorial events took place across various districts, including Haldwani, Haridwar, Almora, and Mandi, where retired servicemen, government representatives, and local citizens offered floral tributes, recognized the families of martyrs, and shared inspiring stories of valor and sacrifice.

In Haldwani, at Shahid Park, the essence of patriotism resonated strongly as a heartfelt tribute was paid at the Smriti Wall dedicated to the martyrs of the Kargil War. The ceremony, organized by the Sainik Welfare Centre, saw participation from ex-servicemen, government officials, and local community members.

BJP leader Ajay Bhatt led the tributes and commended the “unwavering courage and bravery of the Indian Army.” He reflected on the challenging terrain and the harsh conditions faced during the Kargil War, stating, “Our soldiers exhibited unparalleled bravery amid hardships. Their sacrifice safeguarded our nation's sovereignty. We salute their commitment and extend our heartfelt gratitude to their families.”

The event attracted a large audience, including SSP, ADM, SP City, SDM, and multiple police officers who paid their respects with garlands and floral tributes, particularly remembering the five soldiers from Nainital district who were martyred during the conflict.

Later, a special program took place at the MBPG College Auditorium, where families of Kargil martyrs and Veer Naris (war widows) were honored. The ceremony resonated deeply with attendees, recounting tales of bravery and loss with great respect.

In Haridwar, the district administration held a solemn event on Shaurya Diwas at Collectorate Bhawan in Roshanabad. District Magistrate Mayur Dixit emphasized the significance of having martyr families present, calling it “a moment of pride for the entire district.”

“The spirit of Kargil lives in every Indian heart,”

Dixit stated, adding, “Our administration is devoted to assisting the families of ex-servicemen and martyrs. We are diligently ensuring that the benefits of various government schemes reach these families efficiently. A nodal officer has been appointed in Haridwar to address any concerns or requirements.”

The event honored ex-servicemen and their families, highlighting the enduring connection between the armed forces and civil society.

In Almora, the memories of July 26, 1999, were poignantly revisited as tributes were paid to seven brave soldiers from the district who attained martyrdom during the Kargil War. Local officials, ex-servicemen, and citizens gathered to remember Operation Vijay, the decisive military operation that restored India's territorial integrity by evicting infiltrators and Pakistani troops from high-altitude positions.

Among those honored were Captain Aditya Mishra (Ladakh Scouts), Havildar Tam Bahadur Chhetri (1 Naga), Havildar Hari Singh Thapa (24 Commando Royal Engineers), Naik Hari Singh Gale (2 Naga), Lance Naik Harish Singh (17 Garhwal), Paratrooper Ram Singh (10 Para), and Sepoy Mohan Singh (2 Naga). Each of these heroes laid down their lives under the most challenging battlefield conditions.

District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey remarked during the Martyrs’ Day event, “The legacy of these brave sons will endure for generations. Their sacrifice is ingrained in the soil of this land.”

Officials from the Sainik Welfare Board reiterated their ongoing support for the families of martyrs, highlighting the continuous implementation of financial aid and social schemes to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in 1999.

In Mandi, the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated at the Shaheed Memorial in the Indira Market Complex, bringing together a large crowd of ex-servicemen, martyrs’ families, and local residents in a spirit of unity and respect.

Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor addressed the gathering, stating, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a day of remembrance; it serves as a rallying call to action, a commitment to serve, and a tribute to the warriors who never returned. The Indian Army, with its fortitude and valor, turned the tide of battle and reclaimed every inch of Indian territory.”

The Mandi district also honored its 12 martyrs, whose names are forever etched in the nation's history. The ceremony included the honoring of Veer Naris, families of martyrs, and ex-servicemen, serving as a testament to the deep respect society has for their sacrifices.

Esteemed dignitaries present included MLA Anil Sharma, MLA Indra Singh Gandhi, Mayor Virendra Bhatt, ADC Gursimar Singh, and Mandi BJP President Nihal Chand. The ceremony concluded with a mass pledge to safeguard India's sovereignty, administered by ADC Singh.