Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH Mar 27: Highlig-hting the role of Gujjars and Bakerwals in defending the national unity and integrity of the State right from tribal war of 1947, Shamsheer Hakla Poonchi a prominent Gujjar leader of the State today said that in 1947 at the time of Tribal attacks and during the wars with Pakistan in 1965 & 1971 the Gujjars and Bakerwals of the State defended the country and repulsed every enemy attack by working shoulder to shoulder with army.
Shamsheer Hakla said during the Indo-Pak battles Gujjars excelled in bravery and courage and their role and sacrifice was not less that other martial races of the country. In 1965 when intruders indulged in destruction, the credit goes to the Gujjars and Bakerwals who gave the first information of their presence in the Valley, he added. There is sizeable population of Gujjars and Bakerwals along the Line of Actual Control of both the countries but in each sector viz. Gureze, Titwal,Uri,Poonch, Mendhar Rajouri, Bandi Chechiyan, Chhamb, Jorian and Sialkot Gujjars of this side stood face to face in front of enemy, guided and helped Indian Army.
He said Gujjars in 1965 in Dhalbarot and Mendhar informed army and police about the presence of intruders while they were crossing Pir Panchal pass without caring for their lives.
Shamsheer Hakla said that Gujjars assisted Indian army during the crisis under its towering leaders to repulse Pak attacks.
He said that in 1989-90 when militancy was on peak Gujjars performed heroic deeds and took a front against the terrorists. Many of the community members lost their lives but they stood as a rock for national cause.
He demanded that in view of the role of Gujjars some places be named on the name of some Gujjar martyrs and heros in the State and a Special Gujjar Regiment be raised in Indian Army for fighting the militancy in the State.
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