THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the 24th anniversary of the Kargil War victory, Lulu Mall and Pangod Military Camp commenced the Kargil Victory Day celebrations. The event features an extensive display of military weapons and vehicles including the grand atrium of the mall. The Kargil Vijayotsav celebrations at the mall are scheduled to last for three days.

The exhibition showcases a variety of military weapons, firearms and equipment from different countries. Among the displayed items are an Indian-made medium machine gun weighing 24.4 kg, a surveillance radar with a range of up to 18 km, a Russian-made Dragunov sniper rifle with a range of up to 2 km, a South African-made multishot grenade launcher, an American-made 7.62 mm assault rifle and an Israeli-made handheld thermal imager capable of detecting human presence through body temperature.

Information about the important events of the Kargil War which took place from May to July 1999 and the soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives while receiving the country's highest honour was also part of the display. The collaboration between the army and the mall marks the first time such an exhibition has been organized in the state. The event aims to pay tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the armed forces while educating the public about the significance of the Kargil War.

The military vehicles on display range from gypsy cars used on the battlefield with munitions to BEML Tatra military trucks capable of smoothly navigating waterlogged areas at a height of one person. The three-day Vijayotsav celebrations and exhibition are set to conclude on Wednesday.