<span style="color: #222222;">President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs of Kargil on 19th Kargil Vijay Diwas today. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The day marks the victory of the Indian forces over Pakistan in the hills of Kargil and the success of India's Operation Vijay in 1999. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The President in his message said, every Indian acknowledges the efforts and gallantry of our Armed Forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In  Rajya Sabha, the Vice President said, he salute the valour, courage and sacrifice of the brave jawans that resulted in a spectacular victory for our country in the Kargil War in 1999.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Prime Minister Modi in his message said a grateful nation pays homage to all those who served the nation during Operation Vijay.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid homage to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate. Talking to reporters Ms Sitharaman said the countrymen are grateful to the soldiers who laid down their liver to protect the motherland.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba were also present on the occasion.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">At the Drass War Memorial in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, the proceedings opened today morning with a solemn wreath laying ceremony led by Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command. Gallantry award winners of the Kargil Conflict and Next of Kin of martyrs, Veer Naris, senior army officers and civil dignitaries also paid tributes to the martyrs. </span><br />''