GOC pays homage to martyrs on Infantry Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2011:
Infantry the Queen of the Battlefield, celebrates October 27 each year as the Infantry Day.
On this day, 65 years ago, in response to the first threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation, elements of the Indian Infantry, landed in Srinagar and resolutely defended Kashmir from falling into the enemy hands, recounted a PIB (DW) release.
Procrastinating in the dilemma of choosing between remaining an independent state or joining the dominion of India or Pakistan, the Maharaja of Kashmir found himself in a precarious situation in the wake of independence.
Pakistan stake its claim on Kashmir and exploited the vulnerable situation by launching an attack with their raiders on October 18, 1947 .
By October 26, 1947, the situation turned grave as the raiders advanced along road Uri�Baramulla� Srinagar.
Much devastation had been caused, Baramulla was overcome and the enemy was within 30 miles from Srinagar when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947 .
At 5 am on October 27, 1947, the Battalion Headquarters and a company of the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, hastily mustered from internal security duties in Gurgaon, were flown in to Srinagar.
These valiant soldiers fought a gallant action reversing the tide of the battle and saving Kashmir as part of Independent India.
To commemorate this maiden gallant action of the Infantry in the wake of independence, October 27 is celebrated as the Infantry Day, the release informed.
Infantry Day 2011 was celebrated in Leimakhong today with the GOC Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen and other Infantry Officers, JCOs and soldiers paid homage to the brave sons of India who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
This was followed by a Special Sainik Sammelan for the Infantry officers, JCOs and soldiers.
Displaying their solidarity with the people of Manipur all Retired Infantry Officers of Manipur had been invited for the Infantry Day dinner which was attended by about 25 retired officers from across Manipur,
it added.