‘Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal’
HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, paid homage to the bravehearts, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, on the occasion of 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
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Addressing the Shrddhanjali Samaroh, the he said that the glorious land of Ladakh is witness to the 25th year anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal”, he remarked.
Even though months, years, decades and centuries pass by, the Prime Minister underlined that the lives laid down to protect the nation’s borders cannot be erased. “The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces”, he further added.
Recalling the days of Kargil war, the Prime Minister said that he was fortunate to be amidst the soldiers back then, adding that he still remembers how our soldiers carried out a difficult operation at such a height.
“I salute the brave sons of the country who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland,” Modi said.
“In Kargil, we not only won the war, we presented an incredible example of ‘truth, restraint and strength”, the Prime Minister remarked.
He threw light on Pakistan’s deceit at the time when India was making all efforts to maintain peace.
“Falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by truth”, he added.
Condemning terrorism, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan has always faced defeat in the past.
“Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant,” Modi continued.
He further asserted that the nefarious intentions of terrorists will never be fulfilled. “Our bravehearts will trample all the terror attempts,” he added.
“India will overcome all challenges that come in the way of development, be it Ladakh or Jammu & Kashmir”, the Prime Minister reiterated.
He reminded that in a few days from now on 5th of August, the abrogation of Article 370 will complete 5 years and the Jammu & Kashmir of today is talking about a new future full of dreams.
The Prime Minister gave examples of progress and mentioned holding G20 meetings in the UT, government’s focus on infrastructure development and tourism, cinema halls opening up, and tazia procession being initiated after three and a half decades.
“This heaven on earth is swiftly moving in the direction of peace and prosperity”, he added.
Underlining the developments taking place in Ladakh, the Prime Minister said through Shinkun La Tunnel, the union territory will remain connected with the whole country throughout the year, in every season.
“This tunnel will open doors of new possibilities for the development and better future of Ladakh.”
Congratulating the people of Ladakh, the Prime Minister said that this tunnel will further make their lives easier as the numerous hardships faced by them due to the region’s extreme weather will be eased.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s priorities towards the people of Ladakh and mentioned making efforts personally for the safe evacuation of citizens from the Kargil region from Iran during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He recalled a quarantine zone being established in Jaisalmer where they were tested before being sent to Ladakh.
Underlining the government’s efforts to boost ease of living and provide more services for the people of Ladakh, the Prime Minister mentioned an approximate six-time increase in the budget from Rs 1100 crores to Rs 6000 crores in the last 5 years.
“Be it roads, electricity, water, education, power supply, employment, every direction of Ladakh is transforming”, PM Modi said, highlighting the application of holistic planning for the first time.
Referring to the ambitious targets for the border areas, he informed that the Border Road Organization (BRO) has completed more than 330 projects including Sela Tunnel, showcasing New India’s capabilities and direction.
Emphasising the importance of upgrading military technologies, the Prime Minister said in the changing global scenarios, our defence force needs the latest weapons and equipment along with a modern working style and arrangements.
The Prime Minister said that the defence sector had felt the necessity to upgrade in the past as well, but unfortunately, this issue was not given much importance.
“However, in the last 10 years, defence reforms have been prioritised, making our forces more capable and self-reliant,” he added.
Modi further said that a major stake in defence procurement is being given to the Indian defence industry, adding that 25 per cent has been reserved for the private sector in the defence and research development budget.
The Prime Minister pointed out that those misleading the youth of the nation today had no regard for the armed forces in the past.
Recalling the false promises made by past governments on One Rank One Pension, the Prime Minister underlined that it was the present government that implemented the scheme where ex-servicemen were given more than Rs 1.25 lakh crores.
He further pointed out the neglect of past governments and said, “These are the same people who did not build a war memorial for the martyrs even after 7 decades of independence, did not provide enough bulletproof jackets to our soldiers deployed on the border and kept ignoring Kargil Vijay Diwas.”
Concluding the address, 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, a release stated.
