Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on October 14 paid tributes to martyrs and felicitated ex-servicemen to mark commemoration of 60 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1965 war. The event was organised by Western Command headquartered at Chandimandir (Chandigarh) and 26 Infantry Division based at Gandhi Nagar in Jammu city. At that time, Northern Command, which now looks after most parts of Union Territory (UT) of J&K as also Ladakh had not been created. As such, it was the area of responsibility of the Western Command.
Addressing a mega rally of ex-servicemen, Sinha said that 1965 war victory and recent Operation Sindoor was the result of the valour and sacrifice of soldiers of Indian armed forces which is considered among the strongest across the globe. He recalled the sacrifice of 1965 war heroes and paid homage to all the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice, defending the sovereignty and integrity of India.
He said the abode of soldiers, who are the first line of defence against our western neighbour Pakistan which has been fostering terrorism against India, a sacred land, right from its birth. “Unwavering devotion to ex-servicemen is the fundamental foundation of my policies. Personally, for me the land of veterans is no less than a pilgrimage site. Our veterans have made immense contribution in economic growth, social transformation and the resurgence of a glorious India,” Sinha said.
He recalled the valour of 26 Infantry Division during Operation Sindoor and army’s selfless work in saving people’s lives during recent natural calamities. It bears mention here that soldiers of these formations had come to the rescue of the civilians at many places. Engineers of the 26 Division had created a bailey bridge near 4th bridge on Tawi after connectivity was severed due to flash floods in the river.
“Operation Sindoor gave a message to the world that we will avenge every drop of Indian citizen’s blood. No one can dare raise their eyes towards our country,” Sinha said. He called upon ex-servicemen to contribute to society by applying their leadership skill and discipline in ongoing community service, and civic action programmes.
“Our ex-servicemen are role models for the youth. They must guide the young generation on the righteous path and teach them the values of patriotism, discipline, and selfless service,” he further said.
Sinha urged all sections of society to honour the sacrifices and dedication of brave personnel of the security forces. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our veterans and the families of our martyrs live a dignified life.
Lt Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command; Lt Gen. Rajan Sharawat, GOC, 9 Corps; Maj Gen. Mukesh Bhanwala, GoC, 26 Infantry Division; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu; Lt Gen RK Sharma (Retired), President, J&K Ex-Services League; Brigadier Gurmeet Singh Shan (Retired), Director, Sainik Welfare, J&K; senior officials of Security forces, Police and Civil Administration; war veterans, ex-servicemen and veer naris were present on the occasion.
For the past many years, senior officers of the Western Command, particularly its GOC in C, is hardly ever seen in Jammu during any such public functions. Though Kathua-Jammu area falls under the Western Command, there is always a gap that exists in terms of public outreach. This was the reason why Dr Karan Singh had recently said that the Jammu city should be made a part of the Northern Command.
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