India marks Kargil Victory Day with soldier tributes and welfare measures
On July 26, Indian states held ceremonies to mark the 27th anniversary of the Kargil Victory. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pukhskar Singh Dhami led a tribute at the chief minister’s residence, honoring the war’s heroes and announcing increased financial assistance for families of martyrs – raising the amount from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh and boosting the special grant for Param Veer Chakra recipients from ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore. He also said the state would consider issuing gun licences to ex‑soldiers and highlighted the new “Agni Veer Employment Cell” for veterans.
Manipur’s Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalia and Chief Minister Yum Nam Khemchand Singh paid respects at a memorial in Imphal, echoing the national sentiment. In Chandigarh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Naresh Saini laid wreaths, recalling that 527 soldiers fell in the war, including about 65 from Punjab. Across these events, officials stressed that honoring the forces is a matter of national duty rather than politics, and urged continued support for the armed forces and their families.