Drass war memorial in for major facelift before 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary

Drass War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region is undergoing a major facelift ahead of the 20th anniversary celebration of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' in the last week of July.

Built by the Indian Army to commemorate the memory of the 1999 Kargil war martyrs, the memorial is located across the Tiger Hill about six km from Dras, the coldest inhabited place in India and the second coldest in the world after Siberia.

The Kargil war was triggered between India and Pakistan in May-June 1999 after the Pakistani army was found to having intruded into Indian territory across the LoC and occupying various strategic peaks including Tololing Heights, Tiger Hill and Point 4875 (Batra Top), overlooking the Srinagar-Leh national highway and targeting traffic on it.

The Indian Army launched "Operation Vijay" in May 1999 and regained the territory after evicting intruders after a fierce battle, one among the toughest in the military history of high-altitude warfare in mountainous terrain.

July 26 is observed as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to commemorate the victory in this conflict, but its 20th anniversary celebration would be spread over three days from July 25 to July 27, an official said Friday.

Following the 1999 victory, a make-shift memorial was constructed some time in 2000 but it was built in its current form by the Indian Army in November 2014, said officials, adding it is being given a major facelift ahead of the 20th anniversary celebrations.

"The work is in full swing to give a facelift to the memorial," he said.

The ongoing works include civil works, repairs, cleaning, painting, landscaping and gardening in various segments of the memorial, said officials.

"The work will complete by fortnight", he said.

The Defence Ministry had last Friday said the 20th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas will be celebrated in Delhi and Drass from July 25 to 27, with numerous activities planned all over the country from the first week of July leading to the build up of the event.

Remember, Rejoice and Renew is the theme of the 20th anniversary celebration, said officials.

Celebrations in the national capital will begin on July 14, with the illumination of a 'victory flame' at the National War Memorial. The victory torch would be carried to Drass after tarvelling through eleven towns and cities.

In Drass, the flame will be merged with the eternal flame at the 'Kargil War Memorial.'