Budgam: Terming the events of October 1947 as the first landmark military action of Independent India, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday said that Pakistan Army disguised as Pashtun Tribals “created havoc and rampaged Baramulla, killed, raped and looted the innocents, burnt houses, hospitals and churches”.
“The historic Air landing Operation conducted by Indian Army & Air Force in face of the enemy and subsequent eviction of Pakistani forces was the first landmark military action of Independent India,” Sinha said.
He was speaking at the event organized by Chinar Corps at Technical Airport Budgam to commemorate the 75th year of Air Induction of Indian Army to evict Pakistan forces from Kashmir, an official spokesperson said.
“On this day, 75 years ago, the first Dakota aircraft with Lieutenant Colonel D.R. Rai and his warriors on board had reached Srinagar airport. The gallant actions of the Indian Army alongside the people of J&K turned the tide in favour of the Nation,” the LG said.
Sinha, as per the official spokesperson paid homage to Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Major Somnath Sharma, Lt Col Rai, Maqbool Sherwani, and others who laid down their lives to save J&K from Pakistan Army’s ‘invasion’.
“The new generation must be told about the barbaric atrocities perpetrated by Pakistan, killing of thousands of innocents. They must know the brutality executed by the neighboring country, also the biggest terror sponsor,” the LG said.
He further said that stories of people like Sherwani who fought Pakistani attackers in 1947 would be made part of the school syllabus from next year. The decision, he said, is taken to educate the new generation about the fighters’ valour and sacrifice, he said.
“Why were people not told about the evil deeds of Pakistan? Why are stories of Maqbool Sherwani, Major Somnath, Brigadier Rajinder Singh and Lt Col D R Rai not told to the students in schools?,” said Sinha.
“I want to tell you today that these stories will be part of the school syllabus from the next year. It is our responsibility to bring stories of these bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the country to every student,” he added.
According to the official spokesperson, Sinha further stated that the Pakistan Army disguised as Pashtun Tribals on reaching Baramulla created havoc and rampaged through the entire town, killed, raped and looted the innocents, burnt houses, hospitals and churches.
“People of all religions, whoever had survived, left their homes and took refuge in the mountains. The 1947 generation of Srinagar heaved a sigh of relief when on the intervening night of 4th and 5th November, the Pakistani army, marching towards the city, was gunned down by our brave soldiers near Trikulbal before reaching Srinagar,” the LG said.
Hailing the courage of Major Somnath Sharma, Sinha, as per the official said that the army officer with a handful of soldiers fought bravely and attained martyrdom in defending Srinagar airport from being captured by the enemies.
“The bravery, patriotism with which our soldiers sacrificed their lives for the defense of Jammu and Kashmir is exemplary and inspirational for all,” the LG said.
Paying tributes to the Maha Vir Chakra recipient Brigadier Rajinder Singh on his death anniversary, the LG, as per the official spokesperson said that the army officer sacrificed his life valiantly defending Jammu & Kashmir while fighting Pakistani invaders.
“His gallantry, indomitable spirit and significant contribution to uphold the unity and integrity of the motherland will continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.
According to the official spokesperson, the LG said that it was our responsibility to pass on the legacy of valour and sacrifice of our brave-hearts who thwarted the “nefarious designs” of the enemies and protected the honour and integrity of our great nation.
“I am proud of the Army and Security forces, carrying the great tradition of courage and valour to protect the motherland. Today, J&K is marching ahead towards peace, development and prosperity and it is a true reflection of the sheer grit and dedication of our brave security personnel,” Sinha said.
Invoking the slogan Hamlawar Khabardar, Hum Kashmiri Hain Tayar (Beware o attackers, We Kashmiris are ready) raised by the people of Kashmir after the attack, the LG said there was a need to raise it once again to give a mighty blow to powers that want to create hurdles against peace in Kashmir.
“When Army laid down its lives in protecting Jammu & Kashmir, it had people behind it who raised this slogan. There is a need to remember that,” said Sinha. (With PTI inputs)
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