Mangalore: Kargil Heroes Remembered on Vijay Diwas
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jul 26: It was a solemn moment as ex-servicemen of the city gathereed at the Kadri Park war memorial to pay their respects to Indian soldiers who fought in the Kargil war 12 years ago.
The 12th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Tuesday July 26 was organised by the Dakshina Kannada District Ex Servicemen Association and Lions Club Mangalore, Kadri Hills to honour the soldiers who laid down their lives while on duty.
The dignitaries and others paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the war memorial. Candles were lit and a minute's silence was observed.
Vijay Diwas is observed to mark India’s military victory over Pakistan in 1999. The two-month war began in May 1999, and lasted till July end when the Pakistan army finally retreated. The Indian army lost 543 soldiers during the war, who were posthumously rewarded.
Lt Colonel Nittegutthu Sharath Bhandary, president of the association Radhakrishna Shetty, general secretary Joachim D’Souza, brigadier I N Rai, Wing commander D R Belle among others were present. About 15 Kargil veterans were present on the occasion.
Earlier in the evening, Navras hobby dancers' club, centre for integrated learning, organised 'Navaras Utsav' in commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Don Bosco Hall here. Ex-servicemen N S Bhandary, I N Rai and D R Belle were felicitated by zilla panchayat CEO Dr K N Vijayprakash.