Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday, 26 July led the state in paying solemn tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War, as India marked the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The commemorative programme was organised by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal.

Governor's Address: Unity, Gratitude and National Security

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla said the nation stands united in saluting the 'unparalleled courage, unwavering determination and supreme sacrifice' of the Indian Armed Forces, whose valour safeguarded India's sovereignty and territorial integrity during the Kargil conflict. He described Kargil Vijay Diwas not merely as a day of remembrance but as an occasion to reaffirm the nation's enduring gratitude towards its armed forces.

Bhalla highlighted Manipur's proud legacy of service across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Assam Rifles, and Central Paramilitary Forces, calling it 'always heartening' to see people from the state serving in these elite security forces. He also paid homage to Veer Naris and Veer Matas, whose strength and resilience he described as an enduring source of national inspiration.

Notably, the Governor referenced the armed forces' recent role in Operation Sindoor, underscoring that their service continues to inspire the nation beyond historical conflicts. He urged citizens to strengthen peace, harmony, and national integration as India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Chief Minister Recalls the 78-Day Operation Vijay

Delivering the Presidential address, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh recalled that the Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, posed a major challenge to the nation when Pakistani Army personnel and Kashmiri militants crossed into Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir with the objective of disrupting National Highway 1-A, the critical artery connecting Srinagar and Leh.

The Indian Army's Operation Vijay lasted 78 days and successfully reclaimed the strategic highway. The operation, however, came at a steep cost — the lives of approximately 527 soldiers, including five brave soldiers from Manipur, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Air and Naval Operations That Turned the Tide

The Chief Minister also recalled the Indian Air Force's Operation Safed Sagar, during which thousands of air strikes were carried out and helicopters were deployed to provide crucial support to ground troops. The strikes, he said, forced enemy forces out of their hideouts and disrupted their supply lines, despite the formidable challenges posed by high-altitude terrain.

On the naval front, Khemchand Singh noted that the Indian Navy conducted Operation Talwar, effectively disabling key Pakistani ports and severing the country's sea routes, significantly weakening its operational capabilities during the conflict.

A Call to Manipur's Youth and Citizens

Governor Bhalla encouraged the state's youth to draw inspiration from the nation's soldiers and dedicate themselves to serving the country with discipline and patriotism. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh echoed the sentiment, appealing to the people of Manipur to work together with shared responsibility towards building a stronger, more developed nation.

The observance 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, senior civil and police officials, Central Security Forces personnel, ex-servicemen, and Veer Naris. As the 27th anniversary passes, the tributes in Imphal serve as a reminder that the memory of Kargil's fallen soldiers remains central to Manipur's — and India's — national identity.