New Delhi: July 14 is remembered as one of the most important days of the 1999 Kargil War, as it marked the turning point in Operation Vijay, India’s military campaign to drive out Pakistani forces from Indian territory.
After weeks of fierce fighting in the mountains of Kargil, Indian soldiers successfully recaptured several key peaks from Pakistani intruders. The major victories put Pakistan under heavy military and international pressure, forcing it to begin withdrawing its troops.
On July 14, 1999, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced that Operation Vijay had entered its final phase, signalling that India was close to winning the war.
The Kargil conflict began in May 1999 after Pakistani soldiers and militants crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied strategic positions in the Kargil sector. Indian armed forces launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the occupied areas and fought under extremely difficult conditions in the high-altitude mountains.
The war officially ended on July 26, 1999, with India regaining control of all occupied positions. The day is observed every year as Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
