K D Maini
During the turmoil of 1947-48 the defenders of Poonch not only saved about fourty thousand besieged population of Poonch Town from the aggressors under the command of able, brave and courageous Garrison commander Pritam Singh, but also arranged food, medicine, shelter and clothing for them during the siege of Poonch for about one year from 21 Nov. 1947 onwards. A history was created on Nov. 22, 1948 when Indian forces linked Poonch Town after liberating Narian, Rajouri, Thana Mandi., Chingus, Bhimber Gali, Mendhar, Surankote, Mandi and all hill tops surrounding Poonch Town. This Link up day is celebrated jointly by Poonch Brigade and public of Poonch every year with great enthusiasm and in seen as a link between Army and Awam. A number of functions are organized to commemorate the day and pay homage to martyrs. This year 93 Infantry Brigade Poonch with active participation and involvement of people started organizing programmes on 10th November onward which includes sending youths on capacity building tour, conduct of Artificial Limbs fitmet camp, Eye camp, Dog show, Horse show, Cultural Programme and other events which shall conclude on November 22.
Even after the battle of Kashmir during 1947-48, Poonch sector was been defended by the saviours during the war of 1965, 71,proxy war from 1989 onwards, day to day shelling and firing across the border and disturbance created by the infiltrators inside the area due to which the people of Poonch sector remains disturbed, frightened and badly affected and results in death and injuries of civilians, burning of houses, loss of property, restrictions on the movement of the people due to firing in the border villages and around Poonch Town. Therefore the problems, miseries and sufferings of this sector are all together different from the other areas. In this scenario, Poonch Brigade is not only defending the territory but also keeping helpful attitude towards public. The people friendly innovative schemes, ideas and concept are being implemented by the Army for social and economic upliftment of the natives of this sector. The ex Sarpanch Mohd Hussain of Bagail Dara and Shamas Din of Degwar say that the natives of Bagial Dara, Dalan , Karmara, Malti , Sokar, Kalsan, Shahpur, Bandichechian, Qasba and Kirni Mandhar are the main sufferers of shelling and firing across the LOC.
However, the local Army Commanders posted there are trying best to help them during shelling and implementing a number of schemes for their upliftment. Abdul Ghani of Kayian told that Kaiyan and Challari Mohallas were located ahead of fencing near the LOC. There is no provision of electric power as these areas are located at a high ridge. Now they have been provided solar lights by army. This gesture of army have provided great relief to these families. A medical and Veterinary Camp has was organized at Shahpur village recently in which 600 patients were treated. A training camp for youth at Dalan area is also working for the benefit of the youths of the border belt.
Gagrian Sawjian Khet, Chamber Kinari, Balnoi, Arigam Village of Mandi are situated near the LoC and under direct target of shelling. More than 60 percent population of villages is living below the poverty line. For the proper education of children of these villages a Goodwill Public School has been setup at Sawjian where uniforms, books and other incentives are provided to children. It was also told by the natives of these villages, that 134 students are getting scholarship from army to continue the study. A medical camp was also organized in Khet Village in which the patient of surrounding areas were checked up, dignosed properly and free medicines provided to them. One Zarina Bi of Kinari Village told that she was not in a position to live a normal life due to joint pain but after taking the medicines she had got great relief and started normal life.
This year a talent hunt programme has been organized by army in 14 schools located in border areas to exploit the culture of this area. A student Jamil Hussain of Karmara told that for the first time he participated in such a programme. The students of border villages are not getting opportunity to visit outside from their locality, for this purpose on 12th Nov. 2018, 20 students living below poverty line have been sent to Bharat Darshan Tour so that they could see the big cities, historic and industrial places. S. Jagbir singh President Spritual Trust Poonch in collaboration with 93 Infantry Brigade has organized an artificial Limb fitmet camp at Poonch for the disabled persons due to shelling, firing across the border and mine blast near the LoC on the occasion of Poonch Link Up Day.
This camp was inaugurated by Brigade Commander Munish Gupta on 13th Nov. 2011, 87 disabled persons have been fitted limbs and now they are in a position to live a normal life. It was told that during the camp a 8 year boy Ashaq Hussain of Guntrian was also provided L-4 Artificial arm who had recently losted his right arm due to blast near his house.
The above fact reveals the extent of co-operation which army provides the native of border areas in Poonch sector. The Saviours of Poonch always engage to help the public and improve the life of people of border area through social and economic activities. This goodwill gesture is the main reason that inspite of exploitation from across the border, the native have maintained peace, harmony and congenial atmosphere in this sector.
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