Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh marked the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. At a commemorative programme held at the Kargil Shaheed Smriti Vatika in Lucknow, Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak paid homage to the fallen heroes and honoured the families of martyrs for their supreme sacrifice.
Addressing the gathering, A.K. Sharma described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of the courage, valour and patriotism displayed by India’s armed forces. He expressed gratitude to the families of the martyrs and ex-servicemen, saying their sacrifices continue to inspire the nation.
The minister said that while India must remain vigilant against external threats, it must also be alert to internal challenges. He stressed the need for citizens to remain cautious of anti-national elements, terrorism and forces attempting to create unrest through misinformation.
Highlighting the growing influence of digital platforms, Sharma urged people to verify information before sharing it on social media. He warned against falling prey to rumours and misleading content, emphasising that every citizen has a responsibility to safeguard the country’s unity and integrity by resisting misinformation and propaganda.
During the programme, Sharma directed officials to ensure the prompt resolution of grievances related to serving personnel, veterans and the families of martyrs. He said issues concerning soldiers’ families should be treated on priority so that those who have sacrificed for the nation do not face unnecessary hardships.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also paid floral tributes to the Kargil martyrs and remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his leadership during the conflict. He recalled that Vajpayee had personally visited the border to boost the morale of Indian soldiers during the war.
Pathak said it was the collective responsibility of the government and society to identify and honour the families of soldiers and ensure that their concerns are addressed in a timely manner. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting ex-servicemen and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
As part of the ceremony, families of Kargil martyrs were felicitated in recognition of their contribution to the country. The event was attended by Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLAs Neeraj Bora, Ramchandra Pradhan, Pawan Singh Chauhan and Santosh Singh, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, serving defence personnel and a large number of citizens.
