Srinagar, July 26 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid a wreath at Kargil War Memorial in Drass on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, officials said.
Modi arrived in Drass earlier the day and paid homage to the soldiers who were killed during the war in 1999.
Army veterans also paid tributes to brave-hearts at the Kargil War Memorial.
PM Modi also carried out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, virtually- which once completed, will be the highest tunnel in the world.
Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu – Padum – Darcha Road to provide all weather connectivity to Leh.
Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas is being observed today to commemorate India’s victory against Pakistan at Kargil . In 1999, Pakistani soldiers and militants had occupied many peaks from Drass to Batalik sector along the Line of Control (LoC) overlooking the strategic Srinagar- Leh highway. The Indian Army along with the Indian Air Force later launched a massive operation and in the 74 days of battles Indian Army managed to win back its territory. As per official figures, 527 were the Indian casualties at the end of the Kargil War.
And since this victory, the Army has been observing July 26 as Vijay Diwas and the main function is held at Drass.
