Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday presided over the Kargil Vijay Diwas function at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla and paid tribute to the martyrs of Kargil War.

He said that the Kargil war was a symbol of valour and bravery of the Indian soldiers and on this day of Kargil Vijay Diwas we salute the brave soldiers of our armed forces.  He said this victory saga was written 22 years ago at the peaks of Kargil and would be motivating the generation to come. He said that in 1999 after the Pakistani intruders infiltrated the Indian peaks, the Indian soldiers initiated Operation Vijay against them on 8th May, which went on till 26th July, 1999.

Thakur said that out of 527 soldiers martyred during Kargil War, 52 martyrs were from Himachal Pradesh and out of four Param Vir Chakra winners two were from the State. Captain Vikram Batra was one such braveheart from Himachal Pradesh's Palampur, who sacrificed his life for the country. He said that  Hawaldar Sanjay Kumar of District Bilaspur was also honoured with Param Vir Chakar, for his gallantry during Kargil War. 

He said that it was a matter of great pride for Himachal Pradesh that till date the state has received 1096 gallantry awards and 1246 soldiers of the state have made supreme sacrifice for the country.

He also honoured the family members of Kargil war martyrs.

Artists of Information and Public Relations Department sang patriotic songs and documentary was also showcased on this occasion.

MP Shimla Parliamentary Constituency Suresh Kashyap, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Satya Kaundal, Deputy Mayor Shailender Chauhan, Former MP Vimla Kashyap, Chairman HIMFED Ganesh Dutt, Chairperson Saksham Gudiya Board Roopa Sharma, Chairman APMC Naresh Sharma, Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Deputy Commissioner Aaditya Negi, Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawala, Brigadier R. Sihag, Brigadier A.K. Sharma, Colonel Yudhvir Singh,  Colonel Vikram Jeet Singh  were also present on the occasion.