Eye on Pak talks, Kargil celebrations to be low key

The Centre has decided to keep Vijay Diwas, marking the 1999 Kargil victory, a low-key affair with no central functions being organised in a...

The Centre has decided to keep Vijay Diwas, marking the 1999 Kargil victory, a low-key affair with no central functions being organised in an attempt to keep the peace dialogue with Pakistan on track despite provocations by militant groups.

Army formations have been asked to keep the July 26 celebrations a quiet affair and not organise big “shows of strength”.

The Army rank and file are not happy with the decision as they feel their sacrifices have been pushed to the background. Nearly 527 soldiers died and more than 1,100 were injured during the 1999 conflict.

Story continues below this ad

The United Progressive Alliance Government did not hold any function in the capital last year but the Drass-based 8 Mountain division and Nimu-based Trishul division were allowed to have their own celebrations. Forces posted at Kargil organised a victory procession.

“At the most there might be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Northern Command. The Government here is still undecided if it even wants to have that or just let it pass quietly. The peace process with Pakistan is still very fragile,” sources said.

Ironically, the BJP — which set the trend of quiet Vijay Diwas functions — on Tuesday announced that it would observe almost a weeklong “Vijay Utsav”. They will organise marches all over India from Tuesday onwards, ending with a rally in Dehra Dun on July 30 to be addressed by party chief L K Advani.

The BJP had touted the Kargil victory as one of the biggest achievements of the then National Democratic Alliance Government.