The Udhampur-based Northern Command, which guards India’s borders with China and Pakistan and also handles the challenge of terrorism in J&K, on Friday celebrated its 51st Raising Day.

Northern Command has been at the forefront of the Nation’s effort on the Western and Northern borders as well as to counter security challenges posed by terrorism and externally sponsored proxy war in Jammu & Kashmir. The Command has consistently displayed its professionalism by conducting successful operations along the borders and in the hinterland.

On this occasion, GOC-in-C, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves to safeguard National integrity and continue to perform their task with fortitude, dedication and professionalism.

The General Officer extended his good wishes to the families and Defence Civilian Staff of the Command and complimented the troops for their steadfastness, resolve and exemplary devotion to duty.

To commemorate the occasion, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Northern Command, laid wreaths at the Dhruva War Memorial paying homage to the brave soldiers of who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year with great zeal and enthusiasm. It will be celebrated similarly in a befitting manner on 26 July to pay tribute to all the Kargil Heroes.

In a series of run-up events to commemorate the event, Kargil Victory Flame Run was flagged off today at Udhampur by Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani.

The run will traverse a journey of 400 kms in 40 days and will culminate at Kargil War Memorial on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The victory flame will traverse the areas of Jammu region, Kashmir region and Ladakh.

The flame would be carried in hybrid mode of runners, vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles as suited to each region. A few important locations in each region will also conduct some outreach events, which will also be dovetailed with the events of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. This year will witness a number of events from various regions in the run-up to the Kargil Diwas.