In Andhra Pradesh's Mallareddypalli Village, 150 Soldiers Honoured On Kargil Vijay Diwas

July 26 officially marked the completion of 25 years of the Kargil War, commemorating India’s victory against Pakistan and the sacrifices of her soldiers. This day was observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas. According to Local 18 Telugu, soldiers from the Mallareddypalli village in Komarolu Mandal in the Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India had also participated in this war. Mallareddypalli is a small village comprising an entirely Muslim population, i.e.- 120 families in 100 houses. Another feature that makes Mallareddypalli’s name noteworthy is that from this village, more than 150 natives, are serving as soldiers in the Indian Army. 3 people from every village’s household are currently enlisted in the Indian army. Thus, this village has garnered appreciation, for its profound contribution to the Indian army. In this village, parents try to inculcate patriotic values in children from an early age and get them trained for the Indian army to serve the nation.

Currently, there are 25 retired army men in the Mallareddypalli village. Few of them courageously participated in many wars and fought with the security forces of other countries without caring for their lives. One of them is a retired army veteran named Sheikh from Mallareddypalle. Another ex-soldier named Mahbub joined the army as a jawan, participated in 4 wars and retired as a Havaldar. The soldiers who were injured fighting the Pakistan military also live in this village. The elders of the village said that the younger people consider the defence of the country as their duty and thus join the armed forces. According to the elders, joining the army is a source of pride for the youths.

About The Kargil War

This war commenced when the infiltrators from Pakistan crossed the Line of Control and occupied the high positions in Ladakh’s Kargil district. According to the reports, the Indian army initially thought of them as Jihadis, but then the role of the Pakistani state came to light. On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the complete withdrawal of Pakistani troops, marking the end of the conflict. The official toll for India included 527 soldiers killed, 1,363 wounded and one prisoner of war, Flight Lieutenant K Nachiketa.