Opinion | Kargil Vijay Diwas: The Story of India’s Victory Written in the Mountains

A Tribute to the Brave Soldiers Who Fought For Every Inch of Our Land and Honour

Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrates every year on 26 July in all parts of India. Its purpose is to honour the valour and sacrifice of our soldiers in the Kargil War, which took place in 1999. On this day we remember that the Indian Army, Air force and Navy fought together under Operation Vijay, to restore the prominent heights in Kargil from illegal trespassers, and restoring India’s pride and sovereignty.

The war broke out in the cold winter of 1998–1999 when Pakistani troops and militants intruded across the Line of Control and took over high-altitude mountain ridges overlooking the strategic Srinagar–Leh highway. They wanted to cut our supply lines and force India to make concessions. The extent and purpose of the takeover were soon evident this was an all-out military intrusion, not a minor infiltration. Indian patrols verified the intruder presence in early May 1999 when suspicious activity was reported by shepherds. The government acted firmly, initiating Operation Vijay by the end of the month and deploying more than 200,000 troops. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force began Operation Safed Sagar, its initial large-scale high-altitude air campaign, while the Navy initiated Operation Talwar to secure naval borders.

In May and July 1999, intense fighting took place in dangerous terrain. Troops clashed at heights over 16,000 feet in snow, ice, and zero-degree temperatures. The steep slopes and thin air made every mission a matter of stamina. Heavy guns, such as Bofors howitzers, and simultaneous air bombardments backed infantry assaults, but it was individual courage that won the battle.

One of the bloodiest fights was the Battle of Tiger Hill, fought from late May to 8 July. Indian troops finally captured the summit after fierce attacks in subzero temperatures. The battle took a heavy toll, with dozens of troops martyred on both sides. Every advance meant scaling extremely steep hill slopes under fire a test of courage and will.

Acts of exceptional valour materialized during the war. Captain VikramBatra motivated his troops with the legendary slogan “Yeh dil maange more” during the attack on Point 4875, subsequently referred to as “Batra Top” in his name. He led from the front despite heavy firing from the enemy and gave his life, who became a national hero posthumously.

Similarly, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey showed unflinching bravery in taking his troops to retake Khalubar Ridge. Wounded, he kept fighting and was killed. His leadership in combat boosted the morale of his command and changed the course of that battle. The youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, fought under heavy fire and ascended Tiger Hill in the face of grave injuries. His efforts were instrumental in the capture of this sensitive location.

In a show of tenacity, Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse of Nagaland led a virtual impossible barefoot attack on Lone Hill. Surrounded and pinned down by heavy fire, he advanced till he was killed. He was given the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, and now is an icon of tenacity and valour.

Another bright star was Naik Kaushal Yadav of 9 PARA, who led his troops to retake Zulu Top close to the Mushkoh Valley. This he did under intense fire but at the cost of his life. His sacrifice was rewarded with the Vir Chakra.

By mid-July, Indian troops had regained most of the occupied summits. Diplomatic pressure forced Pakistan to start withdrawal on 11 July, and by 16 July almost all intruders had left the heights. On 26 July 1999, the government officially announced that Operation Vijay had ended and hailed a hard-fought victory, declaring the day as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The country sacrificed dearly: an estimated 527 Indian soldiers were martyred and more than 1,300 were injured. Their sacrifices became the cornerstone of the freedom we enjoy today. Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the freedom we enjoy so casually is guarded by brave hearts that stand at the precipice of peril.

After the crisis, India vowed drastic military reform. The Kargil Review Committee suggested improvements in intelligence sharing, surveillance, and interservice coordination. Training in mountain warfare was reoriented, and facilities such as the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) were strengthened, gearing the forces for the future.

Every year on 26 July, the Prime Minister and senior leaders of the army visit Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi to lay wreaths and acknowledge the bravery of those who made the ultimate sacrifice as soldiers. In Dras just a few kilometers from Kargil, there is a memorial made of pink sandstone located next to the highway that inscribes the names of fallen soldiers beneath a huge national flag. The memorial is visited by thousands of veterans, families and young Indians every year to pay their respect.

Throughout the nation, schools and communities organize patriotic events: flag hoisting, marches, plays, exhibitions, and candlelight vigils. Veterans recount their tales, and martyrs’ kin narrate tales of bravery and sacrifice. All these events keep the memories of those who have fought alive and strengthen national resolve and unity.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is more than a victory remembrance; it is a lesson in national resilience, unity, and watchfulness. During adversity, our troops emerged above extraordinary challenges to safeguard India’s integrity. Their bravery today inspires us to remain ready, stand united, and cherish our liberty.

Apart from memorials and ceremonies, the Kargil war’s legacy continues to exist in better defense planning, newer technologies, and continued preparations to defend the country. This acts of those such as Capt. Batra, Lt. Pandey, Gren. Yadav, Capt. Kenguruse, and Naik Kaushal Yadav prove that even impassable heights can be overcome with bravery and training.

Every year as we will remember Kargil Vijay Diwas, we reaffirm our commitment to remember them too. We pledge as one to be united, to take pride in the nation and sacrifice we have that allows us the freedom that we enjoy. We remember and stand prepared to always make sure the morale of valour and unity that Kargil represented continues to steer India.

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