RUPA : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday paid homage to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, describing their sacrifice as a timeless inspiration for national unity and youth-led nation-building during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration at Rupa in West Kameng district.
The Governor laid a wreath at the 5 Mountain Division War Memorial and offered floral tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the conflict. He also interacted with officers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) who had participated in the Kargil War.
Addressing the troops, Parnaik said Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s historic victory in the 1999 conflict, fought over 83 days in some of the world’s most challenging high-altitude battlefields. Despite harsh weather, rugged terrain and enemy occupation of strategic heights, he said, the Indian Armed Forces displayed extraordinary courage and determination to reclaim every inch of Indian territory.
Recalling the sacrifice of more than 500 soldiers, the Governor paid tribute to gallantry award recipients including Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar.
He said the Kargil victory symbolised not only military success but also the strength of national unity, with people across the country standing firmly behind the Armed Forces. Urging young people to draw inspiration from the courage, integrity and selfless service of the Kargil heroes, he called on them to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 through dedication, innovation and patriotism.
Highlighting the strategic importance of border regions, the Governor described border villages as the nation’s first line of strength and stressed the need to improve infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood opportunities to enhance national security and resilience.
Parnaik also underlined the importance of modernising the Armed Forces and strengthening strategic infrastructure to meet emerging security challenges. He expressed gratitude to serving soldiers, veterans and border communities for their unwavering commitment to the nation and urged citizens to uphold the ideals of courage, unity and national service for which the Kargil heroes laid down their lives.
The Governor complimented the General Officer Commanding, 5 Mountain Division, for organising the commemoration and appreciated the participation of public representatives, the civil administration, veterans and local residents.
Among those present were Rupa MLA Tseten Chombay, General Officer Commanding 5 Mountain Division Major General Amit Nautiyal SM VSM, Commander 311 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Arun R. Nambisan, Commander 351 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Vinay Jasrotia, Commander 5 Mountain Artillery Brigade Brigadier Vineet Goyal, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar Chetia and Superintendent of Police DW Thungon.
