The local Indian Army unit of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) led the celebrations related to Shaheedgarh Diwas at Lam in Nowshera tehsil of Rajouri district. The soldiers paid homage to the valiant soldiers and civilians who fought during the 1947 India-Pakistan war. The Shaheedgardh War Memorial is located in this border area where the Pakistani marauders were given a tough fight by the local civilians, among them a good number of soldiers who had seen action in World War II on different fronts.
The war memorial is located near the historical Qila Darhal (Fort Darhal), where a significant battle took place, and the site is now a location for commemorative events like the annual Qila Darhal Defense Day on October 28th. These two days, October 27 and 28, are high points in the mundane life of the hardy people of this remote border belt. For the ex servicemen of this sector, these are days when they don their medals and caps with pride for participation in official events. It offers them a chance to interact with senior officers and soldiers of the local units.
Known as Shaheedgarh Diwas, the day witnesses a sea of patriotic emotions every year on 27th and 28th of October. The celebrations involve wreath laying at Shaheedgarh War Memorial and conduct of patriotic cultural events. The Shaheedgarh War Memorial features plaques and inscriptions etched with the names and deeds of the martyrs of 1947-48 India-Pakistan War, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and respected by all who visit.
The Shaheedgarh Diwas celebrations are conducted over two days i.e. October 27 and 28 wherein there is a wreath laying on both days and had stalls of Lam Bakery and CSD. The programme culminated by felicitation of Veer Naris and War Veterans. The celebration not only commemorated a historic military victory but also reinforced the spirit of patriotism and unity, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made to safeguard the nation’s integrity. The Indian Army’s efforts to engage and uplift the remote border communities through such events were highly commendable, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of the people.
During the 1947-48 war, the area saw intense fighting as local civilians and the Indian Army defended the region against enemy attacks. Many civilians, including Sohan Singh, Jathedar Ram Singh, Hukam Singh, Pritam Singh, and Suchan Singh, sacrificed their lives to protect the area. They are household names around here and revered deeply by the local population. These areas contiguous to Mirpur and Kotli in Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir (POJK) would have also fallen into enemy hands if the locals had not fought valiantly and helped the Indian troops.
The Lam village is located within the Nowshera sub-district of Rajouri, where the Shaheedgarh war memorial is situated. The area is known for its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and holds strategic importance. The Indian Army frequently organizes events like border melas and veterans’ rallies in Lam to engage with the local community.
During the 2019 February air strikes, Pakistani jets had dropped some bombs here after Indian Air Force (IAF) had struck target in Balakot following the Pulwama blast of February 14 that year. This general area had seen intense fighting during 1947-48 and Brigadier Usman had given the supreme sacrifice at a place called Jhangar near here. Mirpur in POJK is only 29 kilometres from that spot and a milestone saying so is a distinct mark in Jhangar.
