Jammu, Jul 21: After low profile events on Kargil Vijay Diwas last year due to COVID pandemic, this year Indian Army has decided to hold massive celebrations as a tribute to the sacrifice of the 527 soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Officials informed, the 22nd Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas also coincide with 50th year of India's glorious victory over Pakistan in tye year 1971 war, which is being celebrated as Swarnim Vijay Varsh. They said that the victory mashal already reached Ladakh after traveling through every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir. “On Vijay Diwas, the victory flames would be received at Dras War Memorial. In addition to this army has planned a week long grand celebrations from Northern Command Udhampur to Dras , War Memorial, connecting Srinagar based 15 Corps, to engage everyone in the mood of festivity.” They said that on July 20 a musical evening has been planned where they will sound the bugle of celebrations of 22 years of victory of Kargil War. “On July 22, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command and Kargil War Hero Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar will take part in ‘Dhruva Kargil Ride' (Bike Rally) sponsored by JAWA Classics Motorcycle Company. As per defence sources, Lt Gen Joshi, whose battalion 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles made four successful assaults on hilltops captured by Pakistani soldiers during the conflict in 1999 and played vital role in the War, will ride the motorcycle from Udhampur to Kargil. Sources said that after starting from Udhampur, Lt General's convey will halt for a night in Srinagar and then reach the destination on July 23. They said that on July 25, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff of India will join the celebrations at Lamuchen View point, where briefing about war has been planned. They said that bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and cast of Shershah movie are also likely to join the celebrations for launch of official teaser of the movie filmed on Kargil hero and Captain Vikram Batra, who was awarded with the Param Vir Chakra for heroic act of bravery during the war. “President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also supreme commander of Armed Forces is likely to participate in Kargil Vijay Diwas programme on July 26 and lay the wreath at Dras War Memorial Kargil.” Earlier, in 2019 the President was scheduled to lay a wreath at the War Memorial but his visit got cancelled as flight was not able to take off from Srinagar due to Leh due to bad weather
