Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, On the solemn occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army paid heartfelt tribute to the valiant sons of Jammu & Kashmir who displayed unmatched courage and made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. Commemorative events were held across Jammu, Kathua, RS Pura, Hiranagar and Mendhar to honor these heroes and acknowledge the unwavering spirit of their families.
From the 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (Kargil), Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia, Sena Medal, Lance Naik Harish Pal, Sena Medal and Havildar Jagan Nath laid down their lives in the treacherous heights of Kargil. Fighting against all odds they led from the front and carved a legacy of heroism that continues to inspire generations.
From the 12 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, Havildar A.B. Kareem, Havildar Daler Singh, Havildar Rajinder Singh, Rifleman Ravinder Singh, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishore, Rifleman Rattan Chand, Naik Surjeet Singh and Naik Pawan Kumar displayed extraordinary valor across various battlefronts. Their bravery, unity and sacrifice played a crucial role in turning the tide of the war.
The 8 Sikh Regiment’s Subedar Ravail Singh, Sena Medal and Sepoy Balwinder Singh fought fiercely at strategic locations such as Tiger Hill, forcing the enemy into retreat.
Their valor remains etched in the collective memory of a grateful nation.
From the 9 Mahar Regiment, Sepoy Raman Kumar made the ultimate sacrifice during intense enemy offensives, standing tall in the face of danger.
In the 18 Grenadiers, Havildar Madan Lal, Vir Chakra and Gunner Swaran Singh, Sena Medal, fought till their last breath, defending the motherland with unmatched devotion and courage.
From the 28 Rashtriya Rifles, Rifleman Manzoor Hussain laid down his life in counter-terror operations, exemplifying the spirit of duty beyond the battlefield.
Special outreach and tribute events were held in the hometowns of these bravehearts.
The Indian Army visited their families, presenting them with mementoes and letters of gratitude—symbols of a nation’s everlasting respect. These moments were not mere ceremonies but profound gestures of remembrance and honor.
An Army officer remarked, “These stories of valor are not just a part of history—they are the soul of our nation.”
As India marks 26 years of Kargil victory, the sacrifices of Major Jasrotia, Subedar Ravail Singh, Havildar Madan Lal and all their comrades remain a living flame of courage, duty and patriotism.DD
