New Delhi: July 26, 2013 marks the 14th anniversary of the day when Indian soldiers gallantly fought and pushed the Pakistani intruders and soldiers back from the icy heights of Kargil.
Every year on this day, the country pays tribute to the martyrs who lost lost their lives while trying to reclaim their land.
The Kargil War began between India and Pakistan on May 8, 1999 when Pakistani army had illegally intruded on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) dividing the Indian territory of Ladakh from the northern areas of the state.
It is believed that Paskistan had been planning the operation since 1998. The war ended on July 14, 1999 when both the countries withdrew troops from the border.
The war that was fought for more than 60 days, ended on July 26, with India winning the battle. However, the nation had to pay a huge price with the death of about 527 Indian soldiers.
Kargil war was the first direct ground war between two nations since the development of nuclear weapons.
It was also the first televised war in India. It brought the sacrifice of the Indian forces to the home of the Indians making a mark that the people of India can never forget.
India TV salutes the brave heroes who led India to victory in Kargil war.
Major Mariappan Saravanan
Major Mariappan Saravanan was an officer in the prestigious Bihar Regiment who was killed in hand to hand combat with intruders after killing four intruders in the Batalik area of Kargil. Major Sarvanan was possibly the first officer killed in the Kargil War.
