Drass: Terming ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ a historic event, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat on Monday said only Indian Army can achieve success in such a difficult situation.

“Martyrs, who sacrifice their lives to defend that national, are remembered every moment,” Gen Rawat told reporters at Kargil War Memorial in this border town of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Chief of Defence Staff made these remarks after paying tributes to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the 1999 war, on the 22nd anniversary of Vijay Diwas.

“Kargil Diwas is celebrated every year… It is a historic event as it is very difficult to achieve success of this kind. Only the Indian Army can do it,” he added.

He said the infrastructural development in Ladakh in going on at a good pace. On this day, Indian soldiers declared victory in recapturing all heights which were occupied by Pakistan intruders during winters. Every year, the nation pays homage to the supreme sacrifices made by our Bravehearts during Operation VIJAY in the Kargil War of 1999.

Gen Rawat on Sunday visited the border town of Drass and reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC) in Ladakh. Gen Rawat took a firsthand review of the security situation and operational preparedness of the troops at the forward locations along the LoC in Drass, the second coldest place in the world. Gen Rawat also interacted with the troops during his visit to the forward locations. The General was briefed about various aspects of the security situation by senior Army officials during his visit.

The Chief of Defence Staff complimented the troops deployed along the LoC for their high morale and exhorted them to remain resolute and steadfast. (UNI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year to mark the anniversary of the Indian Army’s victory against Pakistan in 1999. The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour.”

He also said, “Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day. Also sharing an excerpt from last year’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’.”

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme urged people to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999.

“It is but natural to get emotional in honour of the one who bears the Tricolour of the country. This feeling of patriotism unites all of us. Tomorrow, that is the 26th of July is Kargil Vijay Diwas as well,” he said.

He further stated the Kargil war is a symbol of the bravery and patience on part of India’s Armed Forces which the whole world has watched.

“This time this pride filled day will be celebrated amid Amrit Mahotsav. That is why this day becomes all the more special. I wish you read the enthralling saga of Kargil… let us all bow to the bravehearts of Kargil,” the Prime Minister stated.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior Indian military officers paid homage to the fallen heroes on Kargil Vijay Diwas at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. (IANS)

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior Indian military officers paid homage to the slain soldiers on the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Singh laid a wreath in the honour of the soldiers, who were killed during India’s victory in ‘Operation Vijay’ in 1999, also known as Kargil conflict.

In his message in the visitors’ book at the National War Memorial, Singh recalled the valour of the soldiers of the Kargil conflict, saying that nation will never forget the sacrifice made by the gallant heroes of Indian Armed Forces.

He added that the grateful nation will always be indebted to their courage and continue to follow their ideals.

In a tweet, Singh said the supreme sacrifice of the brave soldiers will inspire the generations to come.

Minister of State (Defence) Ajay Bhatt, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, Chief of the Army Staff General M.M. Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain also paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial.

Senior civil and military officials of the Ministry of Defence were also present on the occasion.

During the Kargil conflict, the gallant soldiers of the Indian Army, with the help of Indian Air Force, overcame insurmountable odds, hostile terrain and inclement weather to win against the enemy that had occupied dominating heights.

On this momentous occasion, the proud nation is celebrating the victory by remembering the fallen heroes through various events across the country.

India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year to mark the anniversary of the Indian Army’s victory against Pakistan in 1999. The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh. (IANS)

Dras (Kargil), July 26: The solemn ceremony to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras was held with RK Mathur, Lt Governor as the Chief Guest who laid a Wreath and paid his tributes to the fallen soldiers in a ceremony held at Kargil War Memorial, symbolising ‘Shradhanjali’ from the entire Nation to the Bravehearts, a defence ministry spokesman said here.

“This year’s Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations were unique in two ways as the Kargil Vijay Diwas coincided with the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame’ reaching the Kargil War Memorial,” he said, adding, “The Journey of the Victory Flame across the country commemorates  50 years of triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.”

On 26 July, at the Kargil War Memorial, the proceedings commenced with the reception of the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame’ at the Kargil War Memorial by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff in the presence of Lt Gen YK Joshi, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen PGK Menon, GOC 14 Corps, Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC 15 Corps and Lt Gen  MV Suchindra Kumar, GOC 16 Corps, other officers, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, NoKs of martyrs and civil dignitaries, he said.

“It was followed by a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony by esteemed civil and military dignitaries.  The gallantry awardees of the Kargil War, next of kin of bravehearts, and veer naris also paid their tributes to the fallen heroes with tearful nostalgia,” he said, adding, “Every year on this day, the nation pays homage to the supreme sacrifices made by our Bravehearts during Operation VIJAY in the Kargil War of 1999.”

By: Umaisar Gull Ganie

Kulgam: A top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander was killed in an encounter between security forces and militants at Gurwatan Aharbal belt of Damhal Hanjipora in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday.

A senior police officer said that a militant identified as LeT commander Amir Ahmad Mir from Chaki Choland Shopain, who was active since 2017 was killed while the operation is on in the area.

He said that a joint team of Police, Army’s 62 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

“As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which retaliated, triggering an encounter,” he said. (KNO)

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta on Monday chaired a meeting to review the progress achieved under the centrally sponsored scheme ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ in Jammu and Kashmir.

Commissioner/Secretary Jal Shakti Department and Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission along with concerned officers of the Department participated in the meeting.

It was informed that the Department has provided new functional household tap connections (FHTC) to 21,650 households during the current financial year. The Department has also covered more than 90% schools and anganwadi centres, 51% health institutions and 34% gram panchayats under the scheme.

It was informed that during 2021-22, 1,97,593 households in Kashmir province and 4,90,583 households in Jammu province will be connected with functional household tap connections.

The Chief Secretary directed the Department to provide all schools and anganwadi centres with functional water connections before 15th August 2021.

The Department was asked to streamline its fee collection mechanism and billing cycle. It was advised to undertake bill generation and revenue collection on quarterly basis so as to reduce payment burden on customers and enhance Department’s efficiency in revenue generation.

Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has revoked the suspension order of Civil Judge Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, who was suspended by the Court earlier after a written complaint was filed against him by the Bar Association, Uri, Bar and Bench reported on Monday.

The suspension was revoked on humanitarian grounds taking into account serious health issues being faced by Lone.

In this regard, an order was issued by the Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Jawad Ahmed on Friday.

“The Hon’ble Full Court, after taking into account the serious ailment of Shri Imtiyaz Ahmed Lone, the then Civil Judge (Senior Division)/ Sub-Judge, Uri and purely on humanitarian ground, has been pleased to revoke the suspension order of the officer,” the order said.

Lone would be reinstated with immediate effect and shall be paid full salary from the date of his reinstatement, it added.

The decision to suspend Imtiyaz Ahmed Lone was taken at a Full Court resolution passed on December 31, 2020 after a complaint was lodged against Lone by the Bar Association a few days before his suspension.

On reinstatement, the judge has been posted at Srinagar Wing of the High Court against the Leave Reserve post of Civil Judge (Senior Judge), the order issued on Friday stated.

Jammu: Five persons including four of a family are feared killed and 12 injured in two separate road accidents in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, P D Nitya said that information was received that one Swift Car, driven by Rakesh Kumar of Paloura, Jammu along with his wife Asha Rani and sons, Sachit Bhagat and Mehul Bhagat, travelling from Srinagar to Jammu, met with an accident near Mehar in Ramban district.

“As per eye witnesses, the driver suddenly lost control and could not stop due to which the car plunged into the river.

Search and rescue operations are underway by teams of District police, QRT and DRF.

“Till now no clue of the passengers and vehicle has been found,” said the officer.

Meanwhile in another incident in the morning, one person was killed and 12 injured when a truck collided with tempo along Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district.

SSP said that the information was received that a truck driven by Kabir Ahmed Khan, son of Mohammad Hussain Khan, resident of Rafiabad, Baramulla was on its way from Srinagar towards Jammu and when it reached at Chamalwas Khatana Basti at around 0609 hours lost control and collided with Tempo, which was on its way towards Srinagar.

“The accident resulted in injuries to the passengers travelling in tempo who were labourers from Bijnore,” said the SSP.

She said that one Sajid Ahmed, 37, son of Qayoom was referred to GMC Anantnag but later succumbed.

The injured were identified as (driver), Karanjeet Singh, 40, Gajinder Singh, 45, Mohammad Ayooub, 39, Satish Kumar, 39, Nazir Ahmed, 27, Shah Nawaz, 28, Omesh, 24, Akshay, 20, Mohammad Anwar, 35 and Tahir Ahmed, 36.

A case has been registered and investigations taken up, police added. (UNI)

New Delhi: There will be widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh till July 29, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Tuesday and Wednesday and over northwest Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, the IMD said in a release.

Fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is likely to continue over East Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh till Tuesday and reduce thereafter. Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy showers is very likely over Konkan & Goa and the Ghat areas of Central Maharashtra during the next three days and increase to isolated heavy to very heavy showers over the region from July 29.

Enhanced rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy showers are likely over Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar from Tuesday, the release added. (IANS)