October 28, 1947 was a decisive moment in the campaign to uproot invading Pakistani soldiers and tribesmen. For a week, the invaders armed with axes, sowrds and guns had plundered Kashmir and unleashed atrocities on men, women and children. But Kashmiris refused to join the atrocious invaders or Pakistan. Instead, they chose to fight till their last breath. A day after Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to the Indian government for help and signed the Instrument of Accession, the war began.
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The might of the Indian Army hit the Pakistani invaders. Troops of 1 SIKH, the first Infantry contingent of Indian Army, landed at Srinagar Airfield and commenced operations for the liberation of Kashmir. Lt Col D R Rai, Commanding Officer 1 SIKH, along with his troops passed the night of October 27-28 in alertness in their hastily-prepared positions east of Baramulla.
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On October 28 1947, the Pakistani invaders launched a big attack on the locations held by 1 SIKH with an aim to push through and reach Srinagar. A bitter fight took place but the invaders were halted from moving towards Srinagar.
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On realising that raiders could outflank their positions & reach Srinagar, Lt Col Rai re-deployed his troops & occupied new positions around Srinagar. Lt Col Rai displayed conspicuous courage, exemplary leadership & made his supreme sacrifice while blunting the ingress of Pakistani invaders towards Srinagar. He was posthumously awarded Maha Vir Chakra.
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