Manipur observed Kargil Vijay Diwas with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh leading tributes to Kargil heroes and calling for unity, patriotism and national service.
Imphal, July 26: Manipur observed Kargil Vijay Diwas on Sunday with a state-level ceremony at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The programme also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and highlighted the contribution of personnel from Manipur to the country's defence services.
The observance brought together Ministers, legislators, senior civil and police officials, members of the armed and central security forces, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of martyrs.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion to remember the unmatched courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, whose personnel defended the nation's sovereignty during the Kargil conflict.
He said the people of Manipur have a long tradition of serving the country in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Assam Rifles and Central Armed Police Forces. Their dedication and service to the nation have remained a matter of pride, he added.
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla joined the State-level observance at Imphal to pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who have defended the nation with unmatched courage and selfless devotion.
— LOK BHAVAN MANIPUR (@LokBhavManipur) July 26, 2026
Honouring the Kargil heroes,… pic.twitter.com/OtS3J5ypDY
Recalling the legacy of the Kargil heroes, the Governor also acknowledged the contribution of the armed forces in safeguarding the country in later operations, including Operation Sindoor. He paid tribute to Veer Naris and Veer Matas, saying their resilience and sacrifices continue to inspire the nation.
He described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and national pride, and urged citizens to honour the memory of the martyrs and support their families. He also encouraged young people in Manipur to draw inspiration from the armed forces and serve the nation with discipline, commitment and patriotism.
Stressing that national security is a shared responsibility, the Governor called upon citizens to strengthen peace, harmony and national integration as India works towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Delivering the presidential address, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed across the country every year to commemorate India's victory in the Kargil War and to honour the courage and determination of the Indian Armed Forces.
Honoured to attend the #KargilVijayDiwas2026 observance at MSFDS Auditorium, Imphal. Paid floral tributes to the immortal heroes of the 1999 Kargil War and special homage to the brave sons of Manipur who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) July 26, 2026
Their valour is our pride. Their… pic.twitter.com/x0pCPydBes
The Chief Minister recalled that the conflict, fought between May and July 1999, posed a major challenge to the country after Pakistani Army personnel, along with Kashmiri militants, crossed into Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir with the objective of disrupting National Highway 1-A, the strategic road linking Srinagar and Leh.
He said the determination and bravery of Indian soldiers ensured that the highway remained secure despite the intense conflict.
Referring to Operation Vijay, the military campaign launched to reclaim the occupied positions, the Chief Minister said the operation continued for 78 days and claimed the lives of around 527 Indian soldiers, including five personnel from Manipur who made the supreme sacrifice while defending the nation.
He also highlighted the role of the Indian Air Force during Operation Safed Sagar, stating that extensive air strikes and helicopter missions provided vital support to troops on the ground. According to the Chief Minister, the operations successfully forced enemy forces from their positions and disrupted their supply lines despite the difficult conditions faced by the pilots.
He further noted that the Indian Navy's Operation Talwar played an important role by targeting key Pakistani maritime infrastructure and disrupting sea routes, thereby weakening Pakistan's operational capabilities during the conflict.
The Chief Minister said the combined efforts of the Army, Air Force and Navy reflected exceptional courage, determination and commitment to protecting India's territorial integrity.
Calling for collective responsibility, he appealed to the people of Manipur to work together in the spirit of unity and contribute towards building a stronger and more developed nation.
The programme also featured patriotic performances by artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Imphal, adding a solemn atmosphere to the observance.
Among those present were Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, senior civil, military and police officials, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of Kargil martyrs.
