Pays tribute to Kargil heroes on 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas
Kargil victory is nation’s heritage, not govt’s
Indian soldiers will crush terrorism with full force
Says Art 370 abrogation marks new future for J&K
India will overcome all challenges in Ladakh & J&K
Virtually witnesses first blast of Shinkun La Tunnel Project
Kargil/ Drass, July 26:Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War on the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
Attending the Shraddhanjali Samaroh, PM Modi heard the Gaurav Gatha: Briefing on Kargil War by NCOs, visited Amar Sansmaran: Hut of Remembrance, and Veer Bhoomi.
Addressing the Shraddhanjali Samaroh, the Prime Minister condemned Pakistan’s actions, noting, “Falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by truth.” PM Modi continued. “Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past. Pakistan, however, has not learnt from history. It is trying to keep itself relevant by supporting terrorism and proxy war. I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly — I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed. Our soldiers will crush terrorism with full force and the enemy will be given a befitting reply,” Modi said.
Prime Minister said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal. The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces.” Recalling his time with soldiers during the Kargil War, he saluted their bravery, saying, “I salute the brave sons of the country who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland.”
The Prime Minister also virtually witnessed the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project in Ladakh. The 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel at 15,800 feet on the Nimu–Padum–Darcha Road will provide all-weather connectivity to Leh, making it the highest tunnel in the world. “Shinkun La Tunnel will ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment and foster economic and social development in Ladakh,” PM Modi said.
Later, the Prime Minister said, “the victory of Kargil was not the victory of any government or any party. This victory belongs to the country; this victory is the heritage of the country. This is a festival of pride and self-respect of the country.” He saluted the brave soldiers on behalf of the entire country and conveyed his best wishes to all the countrymen on 25 years of Kargil victory.
Reflecting on developments in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi said, “In a few days, the abrogation of Article 370 will complete five years, and Jammu & Kashmir is talking about a new future full of dreams. This heaven on earth is swiftly moving in the direction of peace and prosperity.” Giving examples of progress in J-K, he mentioned holding G20 meetings in the UT, government’s focus on infrastructure development and tourism, opening of cinema halls, and allowing the tazia processions after three-and-a-half decades.
PM Modi emphasised the Shinkun La Tunnel’s role in connecting Ladakh year-round, stating, “This tunnel will open doors of new possibilities for the development and better future of Ladakh.” He also highlighted the government’s priorities for Ladakh, mentioning an approximate six-time increase in the budget from Rs 1100 crores to Rs 6000 crores in the last five years, with significant advancements in roads, electricity, water, education, power supply, and employment.
He noted the progress made by the Border Road Organization (BRO), which has completed more than 330 projects, including the Sela Tunnel. “India will overcome all challenges that come in the way of development, be it Ladakh or Jammu & Kashmir,” the Prime Minister reiterated.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, accompanied by the Vice Chiefs of the three Services and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). Through another post on X, Rajnath Singh remembered the indomitable spirit and courage of the Kargil war soldiers, stating, “The service and sacrifice of the soldiers will continue to inspire every Indian and future generations.”
The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras, attended by PM Modi, also saw the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Dr) B D Sharma (Retd), Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three Service Chiefs, veterans, and Veer Naris.
