CM, defence officials pay tributes to heroes

SHILLONG, July 26: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma along with Lt Gen KC Panchanathan, AVSM General Officer Commanding, 101 Area, paid their respects to the bravehearts of Meghalaya who sacrificed their lives for the country, on the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, on Monday.
The two garlanded the busts of Captain KC Nongrum, MVC (P), and Major David Manlun, KC (P), at Rhino Heritage Museum in Rilbong.
Among others to pay obeisance to the martyrs were Air Marshal Amit Dev, AVSM, VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, and Lt Gen PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, Director General of Assam Rifles. All laid wreaths at Rhino Prerna Sthal here in memory of the supreme sacrifice of the heroes in Operation Vijay.
On the day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma interacted with the families of the war heroes who were also present in the programme, which was attended by serving personnel and veterans as well.
July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas in memory of soldiers, who sacrificed their life in Kargil War — March 3 to July 26 of 1999. The day commemorates the success of Operation Vijay which was launched to recapture Indian territories occupied by Pakistani intruders in the Kargil-Drass sector in that year.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of fearless determination and exceptional valour of Indian Armed Forces.