Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Sept 21: The Golden Jubilee of the Indo-Pak war, 1965, was celebrated at Rashtriya Rifles Uniform Force Headquarter, Reasi.
An approx 450 veterans, veer naris and widows from the districts of Reasi, Nowshera and Rajouri were felicitated during the ceremony for their contribution and dedicated service to the nation.
During a wreath laying ceremony, held in memory of the martyrs, Maj Gen B V Rao, GOC, Uniform Force laid wreath in the presence of Hony Lt (Retired) Santan Singh, Vir Chakra, veterans, veer naris of the 1965 war and officers, JCOs and troops.
Speaking on the occasion, GOC said that the Armed Forces have time and again risen to the occasion in safeguarding the borders of the nation. Praising the gallantry of our soldiers during the 1965 campaign, he said the nation will always be indebted to sacrifices made by our gallant soldiers.
Describing the Indo-Pak war-1965, he said, Pakistan had initiated `Operation Gibraltar’ to wrest Jammu and Kashmir from India but failed miserably in its aspirations because of the strong resolve of the people in the state. They in fact informed the Army of the location, movement and intentions of the Pakistani irregulars, he added.
He stressed upon the point that the region along the south of Pir Panjal ranges has been witnessing an era of peace, progress and development in all spheres due to emphatic Counter Insurgency operations by the Army as well as the locals vehemently denying any space to terrorists.
Hony Lt (Retd) Santan Singh, who took part in 1947 & 1965 Indo-Pak war, expressed his gratitude to Uniform Force for felicitating the veterans & veer naris. The 92 year old veteran from 9 JAK Rifles battalion highlighted his role in both the wars.
Various patriotic programmes were staged during the event followed by a brief history of the 1965 campaign, delivered for the young generation to draw motivation from the valor and gallantry of our Armed Forces.
For the benefit of the veterans, veer naris and widows, a band display, a medical camp, Suvigya package stall for addressing pension related grievances and canteen facilities were organised on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel