The Kashmir Pulse

KARGIL — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu commemorated the 25th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War by paying tribute to the martyrs at the Drass War Memorial. Both leaders spoke of the significance of "Kargil Vijay Diwas", which marks the successful conclusion of 'Operation Vijay' and honours the bravery of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives.

Prime Minister Modi, while laying a floral wreath at the memorial, reaffirmed India's commitment to peace and the resolve to crush militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the security forces will continue to thwart any attempts to destabilize the region. "Our forces will crush terrorism with full might and give a befitting reply to enemy designs," Modi stated, addressing the nation from Drass.

The Prime Minister also launched the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. He pointed out that despite Pakistan's continuous efforts to promote 'terrorism', India remains steadfast in its development goals for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

"Five years post Article 370 abrogation, Ladakh and J&K are prospering," he said, citing infrastructure projects, a rise in tourism, and the re-opening of cinemas in Kashmir as signs of progress.

President Murmu echoed similar sentiments, lauding the soldiers' bravery and urging citizens to draw inspiration from their courage. "Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day to honour the exceptional valour of India's armed forces," she stated.

Modi also criticized the opposition, particularly the Congress party, for ignoring the demands of the armed forces in the past and politicizing defence reforms like the Agnipath scheme. He asserted that the BJP government has prioritized military welfare, implementing one rank-one pension and boosting domestic defence production.

The Prime Minister concluded with a strong message to Pakistan, warning that their attempts to incite proxy wars would fail. "Pakistan has not learned from its past mistakes. Today, I want to tell the patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed," he declared.

KARGIL — In preparation for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 and the scheduled visit of VVIPs to Drass on July 25 and 26, District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse has imposed a ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) within the Drass sub-division and Kargil tehsil. As per the officer, this order aims to mitigate any potential security risks to high-profile visitors.

The decision, formalized under Order No. 11 of 2024 and dated July 23, 2024, declares the aforementioned areas as "No Flying Zones" and "Red Zones" under the Drone Rules 2021. The directive comes as a response to a request from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, who cited security concerns associated with drone usage during the important commemorative event.

Effective from July 24 through July 26, 2024, the order explicitly prohibits the operation of drones by the general public. Exceptions are made for security agencies, including police, paramilitary forces, the Special Protection Group (SPG), and defence forces.

District Magistrate Suse said that it has been enacted ex-parte due to the emergent nature of the situation and the limited timeframe.

Meanwhile, SSP Kargil will oversee the enforcement of this directive, with violations subject to prosecution and penalties as prescribed by law.

SRINAGAR — Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ladakh on July 26 to attend the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

An official said that the celebrations will take place in Drass, Kargil district, from July 24 to 26. The army officials have reviewed the arrangements for the visit.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on July 26 for the anniversary.

The PM will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony, visit the Wall of Fame, sign the visitors' book, and inspect the Kargil War Museum.

He will also attend a briefing on the Kargil War and take a group photograph. Modi will interact with war widows, visit Veer Bhoomi, and inaugurate the Shinku La Tunnel virtually.