Mangalore: Nation remembers its war heroes

TNN

Mangalore, 26 July 2011: The clock will be wound back by a 12 years come July 26 when the Dakshina Kannada District Ex-Servicemen’s Association observes Kargil Diwas at the War memorial on Kadri Hills here. It was on this day that the Indian armed forces drove out Pakistani army intruders from their unauthorised occupation of Indian Territory of Kargil and Drass. But the victory came at a heavy price which claimed lives of 527 soldiers and saw 1,363 injured.

 

Radhakrishna Shetty, president of the association, told reporters here on Monday that July 26 is an important date in Indian history given the circumstances in which the Army and Air Force not only drove back the Pakistani intruders, but also strictly adhered to a directive given by the Union government not to cross the Line of Control while doing so. Our soldiers accomplished the task given to them with aplomb and precision, he said.

 

Noting that the last hill was captured on July 26, Radhakrishna said the entire war was an example of great courage, valour, comrade ship, and leadership on the part of the Indian armed forces that this near impossible task was complete with finesse.

 

The association has been paying homage to the soldiers who died in the Kargil conflict for the past one year. Ex-servicemen had organized a solemn function of lighting candles and encouraged public participation in nation building while remembering the sacrifice of young soldiers. The association organised interaction with students to inculcate value of discipline and sacrifice among students and is a small contribution to nation building, he noted.