President Kovind arrives in Srinagar
Will visit Kargil today
Srinagar: President Ram Nath Kovind arrived here on Sunday on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, officials said.
They said Kovind arrived at the Srinagar airport here at 11:15 am and was received by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officers of the police and the civil administration.
During the July 25-28 trip, the President will visit Drass in Ladakh to pay homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil conflict of 1999 at the Kargil War Memorial on Monday on the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, the officials said.
In 2019, bad weather had prevented the President from visiting Drass to participate in Kargil Vijay Diwas, and instead, he paid his tributes by laying a wreath at a war memorial at the Army’s 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh here.
On Tuesday, the President will address the 19th annual convocation of the University of Kashmir here, they added.
As part of security measures for the President’s visit, traffic on the two approach roads to Raj Bhawan where Kovind will stay has been diverted between Sunday and Wednesday.
A traffic department official said diversions have been placed in some areas of the city and no traffic is being allowed on Foreshore Road, along the famous Dal Lake from Dalgate and Nishat axis, as well as towards Gupkar.
Meanwhile, officials said that President Ram Nath Kovind will join the celebrations in view of Kargil Victory Day at War Memorial in Drass, Kargil.
As per the scheduled programme President Kovind will arrive in Kargil-Drass early morning tomorrow.
The president would be received by Lt Governor R K Mathur along with — Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, Army Commander Northern Command Lt General Yogesh Kumar Joshi and other senior officers.
Official sources said the President will visit Drass in Ladakh to pay homage to the Indian armed forces during the Kargil conflict of 1999 at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 on the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Earlier, in the morning today, a special event narrating the stories of Operation VIJAY was organized by the Army at Lamochen near Drass where an account of the epic battles on Tololing, Tiger Hill, Pt 4875 (Batra Top) and other prominent features was narrated with these very landmarks visible to the audience in front of their eyes.
Lt Gen MV Suchindra, GOC White Knight Corps along with Kargil War Heroes Sub Sanjay Kumar, PVC, Sub Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC, including the gallantry award winners and Veer Naris and NOKs of Kargil War attended the event.
The narration took everyone down the memory lane showcasing the daring feat achieved by the valiant soldiers of Indian Army.
Later in the evening cultural programme was held at war memorial where CDS General Bipan Rawat lit the tributes flames.
Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Sirdarth Malhotra released teaser of movie Shershah, filmed on Param Vir Awardee Capt Vikram Batra.
Earlier, this year three-star general officer of Indian Army, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi, General Officer Commanding in Chief Northern Command leading a group of bikers on worlds one of the difficult roads covering Zozila Pass at height of 11,575 feet and travel more than 400 kilometers from Udhampur to Drass, Kargil, Ladakh, to pay tributes to fallen heroes of country at Kargil War Memorial on July 26.
59-year-old, Lt Gen Joshi, who himself a Kargil War Hero and led the army to capture most strategic peaks in Drass sector leading Dhruva Biker Rally to mark the 22 years of victory of the Kargil War.
To commemorate the Kargil Vijay Diwas, Subedar Sanjay Kumar, Param Vir Chakra flagged of the Dhruv Kargil Ride from Northern Command Headquarters, Udhampur.
The highlights of the rally is that it will cover on eof the most difficult roads ranging from Shivalik Range height of approx 6000 feets above sea leve to Greater Himalayas Range at height of above 11000 feets.
Speaking to media on the occasion, Lt Gen Yogesh Kumar Joshi said that this motorcycle rally is organised to remember the fallen heroes during operation Vijay.
“This motorcycle rally is undertaking to remember the fallen heroes during operation Vijay and also to revive, rekindle and invigorate the spirit of patriotism among the youths. On July 7, I have flown to ‘Batra top’ in Sukhoi 30MKI, that was a day when one of my commander Captain Vikram Batra has laid down his life. Today I am undertaking this motorcycle rally to remember all the fallen heroes who laid done their lives for the nation,” said Lt Gen Yogesh Kumar Joshi.
He further gave his message to youths of the nation and said that it is important for the youth to dream big, to think big, to do big and to become big.
“Do not follow the beaten track, go into the unknown make your own path and let others follow,” he added.
The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.
The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in recapturing the mountain heights that were occupied by the Pakistani Army on July 26, 1999, known as the Kargil War. (with PTI inputs)
KV News
