INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTED KARGIL VICTORY FLAME RUN
AS PART OF KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS
BY ABID PAMPORI
Doda:: Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 26 July to commemorate the sacrifices made by the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.
The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in recapturing the mountain heights that were illegally occupied by the Pakistani Army until 26 July 1999, which is now known as the Kargil War. To commemorate this day, 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RAJPUT) conducted a mega Victory Flame Run culminating at Sports Stadium, Doda on 20 Jun 2022. The event was part of a series of run-up events being conducted by Indian Army, Northern Command to commemorate ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’. ‘Kargil Victory Flame Run’ will traverse a journey of 400 km in 40 days in the areas of Jammu region, Kashmir and Ladakh. The flame will be carried in hybrid mode of runners, vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles as suited to each region. The Victory Flame reached Doda Sports Stadium and received an overwhelming response from the people of Doda. The event saw zealous participation by approx. 450 school students, 60 NCC Cadets, 80 ESM and more than 1000 locals. Students wearing tricolor chest logos and holding tricolor in hands ran for five Km chanting patriotic songs and slogans. The Doda town came to life with cheers of students and locals, filling the environment with patriotic fervour. Participants paid their tributes to martyrs who laid their lives safeguarding the nation. Celebrations were an avenue for the masses to realise the importance of freedom and remember our valiant heroes who made the supreme sacrifice during Kargil War. The Kargil Victory Flame was received by the Veterans/ NoK of Kargil War and Civ Administration at Doda Stadium. The event was graced by Brigadier Pranab Misra, Commander, 9 Sector Rashtriya Rifles; Colonel Ankur Sharma, Commanding Officer, 10 Rashtriya Rifles, Mr Abdul Qayoom, SSP Doda, Colonel Parshottam Kumar (Retd), OIC ECHS, Wing Commander Teerath Singh (Retd), OIC Zila Sainik Board, Mr Prahlad Bhagat, Chief Education Officer, Mr Ashraf Khurwani, District Information Officer alongwith other civil dignitaries to honour the Kargil War Veterans and the young impressionable minds. During the event, the Veer Naris, Kargil War Veterans alongwith participants were felicitated by the Chief Guest. Commander, Indian Army congratulated the participants for their spirit, zeal and patriotism during the event. The event drew overwhelming response from the public of Doda.