Families of the Kargil martyrs are an anguished lot. They are pained that the government has decided not to remember the nation's valiant sons by not celebrating Vijay Diwas or holding any memorial service on this day.
Vijay Diwas is observed to mark the eviction of the Pakistani Army from Kargil in 1999. It has not been observed for the second year running, this year.
"Kargil is not just a distant town or a location of a battle fought in the inhospitable Himalayas, but is an embodiment of Indian spirit. It epitomises the nation's collective will. We are duty bound to pass this legacy to the next generation. It is not upto individual whims and fancies to decide to glorify the men who fell at Kargil and later decide that it is not worthwhile to do sot," said Col. V.N. Thapar (Retd), father of Kargil hero Capt. Vijayant Thapar.
He added, "Today, everyone is pained and agitated that Kargil, a part of our history, is not being officially observed. Last year, it was not observed as there was a war-like situation with Pakistan and now we are in the midst of the peace process (with Pakistan). The process should go on, but it is more important that we collectively remember the nation's brave sons. After all they are no longer our sons but are now the nations sons."
Referring to the fact that this year, the defence minister and the service chiefs did not even lay a wreath at the martyrs memorial, like they did last year, he said, "It is of no great disadvantage if a wreath is laid or one candle is lit, after all one is remembering the nation's brave."
Noticeably irked by the government's decision, Ms Hema, mother of Captain Haneefuddin, another Kargil hero, could just say, "It is the government's policy to decide on such things. Who are we to say anything on that? It is not our (Kargil martyrs families) prerogative to speak on such issues."
No official functions were held on Vijay Diwas to remember the 500 jawans and officers who sacrificed their lives taking back Indian positions in Kargil.
Small functions were held in different parts of Delhi and Noida by the families of the Kargil brave. In a simple ceremony, children lit candles at the India Gate.
This was in sharp contrast to the first anniversary in 2000. The government had then organised a week-long festivity at the India Gate lawns.
Weapons used in the different battles, were displayed and films depicting the exploits of the Indian soldiers in the Kargil war were shown.
A senior Army officer said, "This
year we have not received any intimation from the government of any
function to mark the day."