SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the State level Kargil Vijay Diwas function at Hamirpur on Tuesday said that Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of unwavering patriotism, extraordinary bravery, valour and determination of armed forces and on this historic day every Indian remembers the sacrifices of brave soldiers with a sense of gratitude.
"Their act of valour and indomitable spirit will remain etched forever as a defining moment in India’s history," said the Himachal CM.
Jai Ram Thakur said that Kargil Vijay Diwas was a victory saga written 23 years ago at the peaks of Kargil and would be motivating the generations to come. He said that victory achieved during Operation Vijay was the victory of brave-hearts of the country. He said that out of 527 Indian soldiers martyred during Kargil War, 52 were from Himachal Pradesh and out of four Param Vir Chakra winners two were from the state.
He said that Captain Vikram Batra was one such brave-heart from Palampur town of state, who sacrificed his life for the country. He said that Hawaldar Sanjay Kumar of Bilaspur district was also honoured with Param Vir Chakra, for his gallantry during Kargil War. He said that Himachal Pradesh is known as Vir Bhumi and has always followed the tradition of courage and sacrifice.
He said that the Centre and state governments also ensured that the family members of martyrs get all possible help during the testing times. He said that Rs five lakh each were provided to family members of the 52 soldiers martyred during the Kargil war and 12 soldiers with more than 50 percent disability were provided with ex-gratia grant of Rs. 2.5 lakh.
He said that under a special scheme of Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, a provision of providing petrol pump and gas agency has been made for the dependents of martyred soldiers of Kargil war and other military operations. About 28 dependents of martyred soldiers have been provided gas agencies and petrol pump through Department of Food and Civil Supplies in the State.
