Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalls valour of Indian soldiers on 21st Kargil Vijay Diwas

Amid the stand-off with China and facing stringent Opposition criticism for his government’s handling of the border dispute, the Central government on Sunday tried to highlight India’s victory in Kargil war against Pakistan that occurred during the rule of first NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’ said India can never forget the circumstances under which the battle of Kargil took place. He recalled how Pakistan had embarked upon a misadventure, “nursing delusions of encroaching upon Indian soil” to distract attention from its internal strife.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs, paid obeisance to army soldiers who laid down their lives in the war.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Their valour continues to inspire generations," he had tweeted earlier

READ: President, Rajnath Singh commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas

Quoting the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Singh termed Kargil victory “not only a symbol of national pride but also a big step taken against injustice” and that it proved India will not bow down to external pressures.

“Whatever steps we take with respect to national security, it is always in self-defence and not to attack anyone. If an enemy attacks our country, then we have proven we will give it a response as shown in Kargil. Friends, this sentiment today is as strong as it was 21 years ago,” Singh said adding that while India is a peace-loving country, “at a time of crisis, we are ready to take any big step required”.

In his address, Modi said that while India was then in the process of making efforts to foster good relations with Pakistan, “to the wicked, enmity with one and all for no reason comes naturally. People with such a disposition keep thinking of harming even their well-wishers… that is why when India extended a hand of friendship, Pakistan tried to respond, stabbing in the back.”

“Come, let us listen to the sentiment in the very voice of Atalji- Let us understand it… the time has come to accept it,” he said.

The Prime Minister said these days, battles are fought not just on borders, they are fought within the country too, on many fronts simultaneously and every countryman has to decide his or her role in it. He also cautioned people against the overzeal of forwarding all kinds of messages on social media.

In Dehradun, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced plan to build a grand war memorial named 'Pancham Dham' to honour martyrs from the state while Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Haryana is a land of patriots and even before the Kargil War, during the wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971 the soldiers from the state had fought the enemy with valour and courage.