Karnataka CM: Kargil Heroes' Sacrifice Secures Our Freedom!
Karnataka CM: Kargil Heroes' Sacrifice Secures Our Freedom!
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar honors Kargil War heroes, emphasizing their supreme sacrifice as the bedrock of India's freedom & security. Learn about the 527 martyrs, including 13 from Karnataka. #KargilVijayDiwas
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar led the state in paying heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative program at the National Military Memorial near the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, Mr. Shivakumar underscored that the sacrifices of these valiant men form the very foundation of India's freedom, security, and national pride. The event, observed on Sunday, marked the 27th anniversary of ‘Operation Vijay’ and celebrated the triumph of the Indian armed forces over enemy forces, ensuring the national flag soared high in the Himalayas.
The Chief Minister vividly recalled the conflict, highlighting that 527 soldiers were martyred during the Kargil War. Among these heroes, a poignant 13 hailed from Karnataka, a fact that resonated deeply with the audience. “Twenty-seven years ago, our brave soldiers defeated the enemy and ensured that the Tricolour continued to fly high. Our heroes may have become martyrs, but their legacy is eternal. I pay my heartfelt tributes to all those who laid down their lives for the nation,” he stated, his words filled with reverence. He extended his sympathies to the martyrs and their families, saluting their supreme sacrifice.
Mr. Shivakumar also took the opportunity to praise the unwavering dedication of India's armed forces. He noted their steadfast commitment to protecting the nation’s borders through every conflict, including the Indo-Pak wars, the Indo-China war, the Kargil conflict, and during continuous infiltration attempts. He eloquently remarked, “Our soldiers stand guard day and night so that we can sleep peacefully in our homes,” emphasizing the profound debt of gratitude the nation owes to its military.
Further highlighting the state's significant role, the Chief Minister proudly described Karnataka as the backbone of India’s defence ecosystem. He acknowledged the crucial contributions of renowned institutions located within the state, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), underscoring their vital importance to national security and defence capabilities.
