Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Dec 5: The troops of Crossed Swords Division and Manawar Yodhas Brigade commemorated the 53 Chhamb Day with a lot of enthusiasm.
Chhamb Day is commemorated every year as a day of remembrance of the brave-hearts who fought the Battle of Chhamb, in 1971. Homage is paid to the officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in order to protect the motherland. Commemoration events were organised by the Indian Army at the War Memorials at Taryai and Pannu Chowk.
The area of Chhamb lies at the confluence of the hills and plains of J&K. The area is strategically important as it leads to Akhnoor which is further a gateway to Rajouri and Poonch with Jammu to the South. The area lies between the Chenab River which runs to its East and the Manawar Tawi, a tributary of Chenab River, which runs straight through Chhamb.
Due to its strategic significance, the Pakistani forces went for an offensive in this sector. The Pakistani Artillery commenced shelling of Indian posts on Dec 3, 1971 and followed it up with ground offensive including large number of infantry and tanks. Despite their numerical superiority and geographical advantage, the Pakistani forces failed to make inroads and multiple attacks were beaten back by the fierce and brave Indian troops occupying the defences.
5 Assam was deployed in the areas of Singri, Barsala, Pt 951 and Ghogi during 1971. It was the resolute leadership and dauntless courage of officers and men of the battalion that stemmed the tide of multiple waves of enemy onslaught, ensuring the battalion held on to its defences for three days and four nights. Five officers and Nineteen other ranks of the unit laid down their lives during the battle of Chhamb.
In recognition of the heroism and unparalleled valour displayed by the unit it was awarded Battle Honour Chhamb and Theatre Honour J&K, 1971.
Chhamb Day is a solemn occasion that honours the heroes who sacrificed their all to protect the honour of the nation and pay homage to all soldiers who fought during the war. It provides constant motivation to the troops of Indian Army as well as citizens of the nation to strive hard to protect the nation against all odds.
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