New Delhi, July 26
The government did not come forward with celebrations to mark Vijay Divas today.

The day, which marked the `final eviction’ of Pakistani troops from Indian territory four years ago after a 50-day war, had no official function in place to remember the sacrifice of over 500 men who had pushed back the aggressors who had occupied dominating peaks in the Kargil region.

This was the second consecutive year when Vijay Divas went off without any celebrations or memorial service. Last year, the government had decided against any celebrations due to the standoff between Indian and Pakistani forces following the December 13 attack on Parliament. This year, officials at the Ministry of Defence and the Army headquarters said they had no official intimation of any celebrations or events to mark Vijay Divas.

The first anniversary of the Indian victory had seen major celebrations, including special events and exhibitions.

The second anniversary was a quiet affair, marked by lighting of candles by children near the India Gate. Last year, at the height of mobilisation at the borders, Defence Minister George Fernandes and the three service chiefs had laid wreaths at the Martyr’s Memorial here.

This year, the government apparently chose not to mark the occasion. There was a view in official circles that any such celebrations could ruffle the Pakistani feathers at a time when there was a thaw in relations between the two neighbours.