Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: The Indian Army has a long tradition and ethos to interact with its war veterans. In continuation of this long practice, an ex-servicemen rally was organised for the veteran soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles hailing from J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab at Mamun Military Station, Pathankot today.
Lieutenant General, Yogesh Kumar Joshi, Army Commander, Northern Command presided over this ex-servicemen rally.
Over 300 veterans including war heroes belonging to 13th J&K Rifles attended this rally. Most of these war heroes had served under the leadership of the Army Commander, who was the Commanding Officer of 13th Battalion, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles during the Kargil War.
During the Kargil War, under his leadership, the battalion launched four attacks; with the most successful being on Point 4875 (now called Batra Top after Captain Vikram Batra, who made the supreme sacrifice and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra). The battalion was also conferred with the honour of the ‘Bravest of The Brave’ and was awarded many gallantry awards during the Kargil War.
The prominent awards being two Param Vir Chakras (Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar), eight Vir Chakras (including the Army Commander) and fourteen Sena Medals. Many moments from those glory days were relived and stories retold amongst them.
The Army Commander interacted with all the veterans and commended their continued contribution to the Nation Building process. He expressed his gratitude and hailed their glorious service rendered to the Nation. He also applauded their grit with which they overcame every obstacle to keep the Indian flag flying high.
He assured all of them that they are and will always remain inseparable members of the extended Indian Army family. He urged them to continue to strive and enable the Indian Army to fulfil its primary responsibility of safeguarding the Nation from internal and external threats.
Additionally, awareness workshops on new policies and various schemes available to the Indian Army veterans were also organised (as promulgated through the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans). Cultural events were also organised to celebrate their contribution to the Armed forces.
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