'Army is not for dying, but for killing invaders': Kargil war hero recalls chilling battle on Vijay Diwas | WATCH

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: As India marked the 26th Vijay Diwas, commemorating its victory in the Kargil War, a veteran Subedar Dhanesh Yadav of the 137 CETF Battalion (TA) 39 Gorkha Rifles shared his memories of the fierce battle that claimed the lives of hundreds of Indian soldiers.

Speaking on Saturday, Yadav recounted the moment they first learned of the Pakistani intrusion in May 1999. “I was stationed at the first glacier when we were informed about Pakistan's infiltration on May 21. Our Commanding Officer immediately deployed us to the Turtuk sector overnight,” he said.

Highlighting the unpreparedness of the Indian Army at the time, Yadav revealed, “We were neither equipped with proper weapons nor suitable winter clothing. With the limited resources we moved forward. It took us some time to prepare ourselves. But eventually, we reclaimed the territory that stands under our control today.”

Yadav noted that two Indian fighter jets had already been lost in the early days of the war, intensifying the urgency and scale of the conflict. “Two of our fighter jets had fallen two days ago. At that time, we lost two squadron leaders, Ajay Ahuja and pilot, Flt Lt. K Nachiketa. The battle raged on for two to three months,” he said.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made during the war, he added, “Around 527 soldiers laid down their lives for the country, 18 of whom were from my battalion. We successfully captured four Pakistani posts during the offensive.”

In a strong message to the nation and adversaries alike, the veteran declared, “The Indian Army is not meant for dying. We exist to eliminate those who try to invade our land...Pakistan betrayed us by occupying the posts before the mutually agreed withdrawal dates.”

He also paid tribute to the bravery of fellow soldiers, including the iconic Captain Vikram Batra. “Just like Captain Batra, there were many heroes who left behind a legacy of valour. Let us always remember their courage and honour those who continue to dedicate their lives in service of the nation.”

Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India’s triumph over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War and to honour the extraordinary bravery of the soldiers who protected the sovereignty of the nation.