Prime Minister visits Ferozepur ‘land of martyrs’ on Diwali
Prime Minister visits Ferozepur ‘land of martyrs’ on Diwali
Prime Minister celebrates Diwali with jawans and paid homage to the martyrs of 1965 Indo-Pak War at Khasa, Asal Uttar and Ferozepur
Ferozepur, November 11, 2015: To commemorate the completion of 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1965, Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with Gen Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army staff visited the area of responsibility of Vajra Corps, ‘The Land of Martyrs’, on 11 November 15. It was on this land of Vajra Corps in Punjab where all major and decisive battles of 1965 Indo-Pak war were fought thus earning the name of ‘Defenders of Punjab’.
The visit of PM to Ferozepur was not made public and it was a surprise to the media persons and citizens as well. Anyhow, it was a gesture of goodwill on the part of PM to have come to this border town to celebrate Diwali with jawans and pay homage to the martyrs of 1965 Indo-Pak War at Khasa Asal Uttar and Ferozepur.
The Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff laid wreaths at the Dograi War Memorial at Khasa, CQMH Abdul Hamid, PVC, War Memorial at Asal Uttar and Barki War Memorial at Ferozepur to pay homage to the brave soldiers of the Vajra Corps who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen JS Cheema, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps were present during the event.
The Dograi War Memorial is dedicated to the Battle of Dograi fought on the Indo-Pak border in 1965. The Jats under the inspiring leadership of Lt Col Desmond Hayde, achieved a superb victory against overwhelming odds. Though the ratio was overwhelmingly in favour of the defending Pakistani Army elite forces, when the battle ended , the Pakistani forces had been routed. The kill ratio spoke for itself. For his undaunted leadership and bravery, Lt Col Desmond Hayde was awarded with Mahavir Chakra, the second highest military decoration in India. Other than 3 JAT, bravery acts of valiant soldiers of 7 PUNJAB and 13 PUNJAB was outstanding.
The ‘Battle of Barki’ was fought from 6th to 10th September 1965 with
65 Infantry Brigade having been given the task of capturing village Barki and capture or destroy bridge on Ichhogil canal on road Khalra-Lahore. The valiant soldiers took on the daunting task and captured village Barki on 10 September 65. In this battle, due to their heroic deeds, Battle Honour of ‘Barki’ was conferred on 4 SIKH and 16 PUNJAB and Theatre Honour of ‘Punjab 1965’ was conferred on 4 SIKH, 16 PUNJAB and 9 MADRAS. CIH (Armoured unit) and 5 GUARDS, also contributed in a major way in this historic battle.
At the same time, 3 CAVALRY was writing history with its bold and courageous actions at Asal Uttar, against the formidable Patton tanks of the enemy. They wrecked 97 Patton tanks giving a testimony of their killer instinct and made the area a ‘Graveyard of Patton tanks’. 91 Mountain Regiment and 40 Field Regiment provided most effective firepower in the battle. The same battle also witnessed gallant action of Late CQMH Abdul Hamid of 4 GRENADIERS who attained martyrdom and was awarded the highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra (posthumously) for his supreme sacrifice. Among other units, gallant actions by 3 CAVALRY and 9 JAKRIF were praiseworthy. 3 CAVALRY was awarded the Battle Honour of ‘Asal Uttar’ and the Theatre Honour of ‘Punjab 1965’.
Later, the Honorable Prime Minister interacted with all ranks in the forward areas of the ‘Vajra Corps’ conveying wishes and distributed sweets on the occasion of Diwali. He exhorted them to re-dedicate themselves in service of the Nation and emulate our martyrs who have brought glory to our prestigious profession by making the supreme sacrifice. The Prime Minister also interacted with the Airforce personnel at Halwara and Pathankot.
