Indian Army to commemorate Kargil martyrs in Drass

The Indian Army will hold a series of events to commemorate the martyrs of the Kargil War of 1999 and its victory over Pakistani troops, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The main event of a solemn wreath-laying ceremony would be held at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26, the statement added.

In a run-up to the main event to mark the 16th anniversary of the war with Pakistan troops, a large number of competitions and events are planned for the local populace, including marathon, painting, archery, tent-pegging competitions and cultural shows, from Tuesday to Thursday.

On Friday, a tattoo show and prize distribution function would be held.

On July 25, army bands will perform at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, followed by a solemn memorial service.

On July 26, senior officers of the army, war heroes, families of martyrs, political dignitaries and civil officials will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial located at the base of the Tololing feature, the scene of one of the fiercest battles.

"The event is a purposeful attempt by the army every year to remember its martyrs and solemnly honour their memories and to remind the nation of the constant sacrifices men and women in uniform make for the citizens of India," an official statement said.

The Kargil war was fought in the summer of 1999 to evict Pakistani regular forces who had intruded and occupied vacated posts on the Indian side of the Line of Control. The operation cost the Indian Army hundreds of soldiers, in whose memory the commemorative function is held every year.