JAMMU : Amid reversal of arms and sounding of bugles at war memorials across Jammu and Kashmir, Army today celebrated its 65th Infantry Day with traditional solemnity and gaiety.
In the honour of martyrs of the Infantry, Chief of Staff of Northern Command Lt Gen HJS Sachdev laid wreath on the ‘Dhruva Shahid Smarak’ in Udhampur-based Northern Command Headquarters.
“The Indian Army celebrated 65th Infantry Day with traditional solemnity and gaiety today,” a Defence spokesman said.
The highlight of the function was the solemn wreath laying marked by reversal of arms and sounding of bugles at the Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal and Tiger War Memorial.
“Veterans, serving Officers and men alike paid homage to all the brave soldiers of the country who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” the spokesman said.
The day was celebrated in a most traditional and solemn manner at Jammu and Nagrota Garrison, he said, adding that similar memorial services were held across the state.
Major Gen Dushyant Singh laid the wreath at the newly- renovated Tiger War Memorial in Satwari and Brigadier NK Airy, the senior most Infantry Officer in the absence of General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen KH Singh laid the wreath on his behalf at the Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal at Nagrota.
October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day by the Army as it was on this day in 1947 that a Company of Infantry of the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment was airlifted from Delhi to Srinagar, to liberate Kashmir from the invading tribals supported by the Pakistan Army, the spokesman said.
This action was ordered by then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru after Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, acceding his kingdom ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ to independent India.
Another significance is that it was on this day in 1947 that India as an independent nation was for the first time engaged in operations against an aggressor.
Infantry, the largest fighting arm and also known as the “Queen of the Battle,” is the backbone of the Army and its soldiers bear the main brunt in any battle.
Physical fitness, aggression and discipline are the basic qualities required in these men. The Infantry units of Army have been modernised, equipped and trained to make the Indian Army amongst the best in the world, the spokesman said.
In early October 1947, the Pakistani Army had launched “Operation Gulmarg” during which over 5000 tribals invaded Kashmir from Abbottabad with an aim to annex the Valley.
After the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947 the Indian Army was ordered to evict the invaders. The entire campaign was predominantly Infantry centric and its commencement on October 27 is commemorated as ‘Infantry Day’.
In his message to the Infantry, Lt Gen DS Hooda, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Army Commander) Northern Command and senior-most Infantry officer in the region, complimented all Infantrymen for their devotion to duty and indomitable spirit while working under trying and difficult conditions.
He acknowledged their tremendous contribution in maintaining the sanctity of the nation’s borders and fighting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Indian Army Corps of Infantry has been at the forefront in the entire spectrum of activities from maintaining constant vigil at the Line of Control, to combating insurgency, to aiding our fellow citizens in distress while facing various forms of natural calamities and even in restoring peace, order and tranquillity in foreign lands as part of United Nations Peace Keeping Contingents,” he added. (agencies)
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