Dras (Jammu and Kashmir): Top commanders of the Indian Army led by Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda, chief of the Northern Command, on Sunday paid tributes here to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil conflict.

The otherwise sleepy Dras town which is the world's second coldest inhabited place came to life on Sunday morning as army bands played devotional tunes.

Locals came out in large numbers wearing traditional dresses to be a part of the celebrations to salute the brave hearts who laid down their lives to protect their homes in 1999.

Wreaths were laid by Lt. General Hooda at the war memorial in the town which stands as a monument in memory of those Indian soldiers who fought valiantly.

Veterans of Kargil conflict, including Lieutenant General (Retired) Amar Aul, were present during the memorial salute and celebration besides the families of the martyrs who were specially invited to attend the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.

Amar Aul was a brigade commander in 1999 who led the final assault to re-capture the Dras heights those had been captured by the intruders.

The GOC-n-C is scheduled to address a media interaction and a Sainik Sammelan later in the day.

On Saturday, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh paid tributes at Dras War memorial.

He said nobody will be allowed to repeat the misadventure of 1999 on India's borders in the future.

(IANS)