Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Governor KT Parnaik yesterday paid a heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War, emphasising that Kargil Vijay Diwas is far more than just a celebration of victory. Speaking on the solemn occasion, the Governor underscored it as a profound reminder of the Indian armed forces’ extraordinary courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism.
“Against impossible odds and in the most unforgiving terrain, our soldiers stood tall to defend the motherland, embodying the true spirit of India,” Governor Parnaik remarked, expressing his hope that this historic day would continue to ignite patriotism, nationalism, and the spirit of sacrifice across the nation. He urged all Indians to rise above differences and recommit to the ideals of unity, resilience, and national pride, stating that the legacy of fallen heroes continues to awaken the spirit of service in every Indian. This day in 1999 marked the Indian Army’s successful culmination of ‘Operation Vijay’, declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle in the icy heights of Kargil, including super-high-altitude locations like Tololing and Tiger Hill.
Later in the day, addressing Army officers at Dinjan Military Station in Assam’s Tinsukia district, Governor Parnaik highlighted the crucial role played by the Army in defending Arunachal Pradesh’s borders and its significant contributions to the development of the state’s remote and sensitive regions. Delving into the evolving global geopolitical landscape, he urged officers to meticulously study ‘Operation Sindoor’ from strategic, operational, and humanitarian perspectives, calling it a valuable learning opportunity to sharpen their professional and tactical competence. The Governor further stressed the paramount importance of operational preparedness, perception management, and leveraging modern technologies in contemporary warfare. “Staying one step ahead of potential threats is not an option, it is a necessity,” he asserted, urging officers to remain vigilant against adversarial tactics while continually enhancing their capabilities.
Appreciating the Army’s extensive outreach efforts in the state, the Governor lauded units that went beyond their call of duty, particularly those supporting education and healthcare in remote border villages. He strongly encouraged the further expansion of these people-centric efforts under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ to deepen the trust between the armed forces and local communities. Earlier, Maj Gen V S Deshpande, GOC of the 2 Mountain Division, briefed the Governor on the Division’s operational mandate and ongoing goodwill initiatives under the Sadbhavana projects, reiterating that these efforts not only ensure security but also foster enduring partnerships with the people of Arunachal’s remote frontier areas. The interaction profoundly highlighted the Army’s dual mission in Arunachal Pradesh: defending the borders and nurturing grassroots development, both of which remain critical to national security and regional stability.
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