Indian Army took less than 22 minutes to teach Pakistan a lesson: CM Yogi

Lucknow : Recalling the Pulwama attack, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that 22 innocent lives were lost to Pakistan-backed terrorism. In a befitting reply, the Indian Army took less than 22 minutes to destroy their terror camps, showcasing India’s unwavering resolve.

The CM was speaking during the Kargil Vijay Shaheed Diwas‑25 program held at the Kargil Shaheed Smriti Vatika. He said, “PM Modi had also said that those who dared to commit the Pulwama attack would pay the price. Seeing the courage and valor of the Indian Army, Pakistan ran to seek America’s support. India was fighting on multiple fronts with several countries, yet Pakistan stood no chance against the Indian Army. In the end, Pakistan was forced to surrender.”

He further mentioned that some people, after coming to power, use family politics and casteism to damage the social fabric. “Whenever we fall into the trap of such tendencies, we pay a heavy price. We have no shortage of warriors, glory, or intelligence, but at that time, some people divided the nation for their own interests, which led to the country becoming enslaved,” he added.

The CM said that even today, some political parties are working to create divisions. “Back then, division was our weakness, and we must not allow it again”, he remarked. He emphasized that the country needs to move forward unitedly to build a strong and empowered nation, making “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” a reality.

The Chief Minister said that this is also the message of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The sacrifice of the brave soldiers inspires us to realize the vision of a powerful and capable India through the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”

“Today is a day to remember the great brave sons of India. On this day, India completed Operation Vijay, defeated Pakistan, and surprised the world. We bow to the brave soldiers of India. This day is also a symbol of the valor of the Indian Army,” he stated.

He said that the Kargil war was forced on India by Pakistan, and India’s brave soldiers gave a befitting reply. The army informed the government after receiving reports of intrusions on the hills. To clear any misunderstanding after the attack, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took decisive action. It was on this very day that Vajpayee announced India’s victory in Kargil.

“During that time, Pakistan’s president went to the US, but Vajpayee did not bow to any pressure. Whether it’s America or any global power, India will never kneel before anyone. In the end, Pakistan was forced to surrender, and the infiltrators fled,” he added.

The CM highlighted that Kargil is a challenging region with temperatures dropping to minus 50 degrees. Even in such extreme conditions, the Indian armed forces displayed unmatched courage and crushed Pakistan’s cowards. He said, “Our soldiers did not retreat, which is why we won Kargil. Those who flee never succeed, and those who spread hatred in society never achieve victory.”

CM Yogi further mentioned that whenever a soldier is martyred in a war or while guarding the border, the state government provides Rs 50 lakh in assistance to his family. Along with this, one family member is also given a government job.

He added that since 2017, the government has ensured that to honor the memory of every martyred soldier, a grand memorial, institute, or a road in the soldier’s village, town, or city is named after him.

CM Yogi said PM Narendra Modi is able to advance the vision of a developed India because the nation’s borders are secure today. The government has also decided to provide 20% reservation in the Uttar Pradesh Police Force for Agniveers serving in the armed forces.

During the program, the Chief Minister and the Mayor honored the families of the martyrs on stage. The families of Captain Manoj Pandey, Lance Naik Kewlanand Dwivedi, Rifleman Sunil Jung, and Major Ritesh Sharma were present. Mayor Sushma Kharkwal welcomed the Chief Minister. As he arrived, students from the city’s college performed the song “Beti Hindustan Ki.”