Rajnath, Army chief lay wreaths at war memorial to pay tributes to Kargil heroes

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and other senior military officials, paid homage to fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on Sunday. The event marked the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrating India's victory in the 1999 conflict.

The solemn ceremony saw wreaths laid at the memorial under a bright sun. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and other high-ranking officers also offered tributes. Three helicopters flew in arrowhead formation, showering floral petals onto the memorial, a poignant display of respect.

Singh, the chief guest at the 'Shradhanjali Samaroh' (wreath-laying ceremony), had arrived on Saturday. He also participated in a 'Shaurya Sandhya' event the previous evening, which honored the courage of Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay. During this event, he presented a ceremonial 'kalash' to family members of soldiers who lost their lives.

The Army is hosting a series of events to commemorate Operation Vijay, the military operation that reclaimed heights in Kargil after Pakistani troops infiltrated the region. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the culmination of this operation in 1999, a period marked by Indian soldiers braving harsh conditions and enemy fire.