Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Oct 27: The Indian Army celebrated 72nd Infantry day to commemorate the operations launched in 1947 to thwart the Pakistani aggression on the Jammu and Kashmir.
The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command , Lt Gen Ranbir Singh led the wreath laying ceremony at the ‘Dhruva Shaheed Smark ‘ at the Command headquarters here this morning.
The Northern Army Commander complimented all ranks of Infantry for their devotion to duty and indomitable spirit while working under trying and difficult conditions. He commended their tremendous contribution in maintaining the sanctity of the nation’s borders and fighting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
This day is celebrated to commemorate the operations launched by the Indian Army on October 27, 1947 to thwart the Pakistani aggression on the J&K state. On this solemn day, the supreme sacrifices made by the Indian Army in defending the honour and integrity of the nation were remembered by all.
Infantry Day was celebrated in a traditional and solemn manner at Nagrota Military Station near Jammu today. The day was marked by laying of wreath by Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps at the `Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal’ and remembering the martyrs. Serving officers and men alike paid homage to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty for the glory of the Nation.
Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir signed the instrument of Accession on Oct 26, 1947 and Oct 27, in response to the first threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Nation, the first elements of 474 soldiers of 1st Battalion, The SIKH Regiment which was on Internal Security duties around Gurgaon were airlifted by 12 Squadron of RIAF with six civilian Dakotas (in all 22 aircrafts) to Srinagar.
These valiant soldiers fought a gallant action bravely and reversed the tide of the battle when the enemy was merely 30 miles from Srinagar and thus saving the J&K state. This epic battle continues to motivate thousands of officers, JCOs and jawans, who brave all odds of the demanding terrain and adversary and continue to put up a resilient and determined opposition to every obstacle that impedes national sovereignty.
To remember and honour all martyrs of the Infantry who made the supreme sacrifice fighting Pakistani raiders in J&K in 1947, the Fire & Fury Corps in Ladakh region celebrated 72nd Infantry Day with traditional solemnity and gaiety at Leh today.
On this occasion, Lt Gen YK Joshi, GOC Fire & Fury Corps laid the wreath and paid homage to the braves in a solemn ceremony organised at the Hall of Fame. The GOC addressed the Infantry soldiers, including the veteran war heroes, during a special Sainik Sammelan. The celebration was also marked by a music concert for the troops followed by ‘Barakhana’ at respective units.
As a special mark of respect and acknowledgment of their bravery and invaluable service to the Nation, 20 Veteran War Heroes including Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, who had fought during the 1962, 1971 and 1999 wars, were felicitated by Lt Gen Joshi.
Lt Gen YVK Mohan, GoC, Rising Star Corps laid wreath at `Shradhatara’, the War Memorial at Yol Camp to pay tribute to the Martyrs to commemorate the 72nd Infantry Day.
The Infantry Day was celebrated with traditional gaiety and military traditions. The ‘Fouji tradition of Barakhana’ i.e. ‘Meal with Troops’ was graced by the GoC, Rising Star Corps. As an ode to the fighting spirit of the Martyrs for their supreme sacrifice, an indoor shooting range was dedicated for the spouses and children of the soldiers.
Maj Gen Sanjay Singh, GOC, Tiger Division laid wreath at ‘Balidan Stambh’ and Tiger War Memorial at Jammu to pay tributes to the Martyrs to commemorate the 72nd Infantry Day today. A large number of serving soldiers and veterans were also present on the occasion and paid floral tributes to the Martyrs.
It is a remembrance of the first historic military event of Independent India, wherein, the Indian Army under the Tricolour, repelled the first attack on Indian soil on Oct 27, 1947 in Kashmir Valley. The victory was accomplished by the brave warriors of the First Battalion of The Sikh Regiment. The Infantry Day is celebrated with full Military traditions.
Similar memorial functions were held at Srinagar, Kargil, Nowshera Rajouri, Poonch, Akhnoor, Baramulla and other locations across the State today.
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