6 stories of valour India should always remember
Over a thousand soldiers martyred, another 3000 injured. The first India-Pakistan war has left a lasting imprint on the nation's mind. Barely two months after independence, on October 22, 1947, Pakistan's proxy raiders backed by its army invaded Jammu and Kashmir to capture it. The raiders plundered and killed hundreds of innocent people before being ruthlessly defeated by the Indian armed forces.
FollowThis year, India is observing a black day on October 22 to mark the brutal onslaught that Pakistan unleashed on Kashmir in 1947.
Let's take a look at some of the innumerable stories of sacrifice and bravery that every Indian should be proud of today
SECOND LT RAMA RAGHOBA RANE
PARAM VIR CHAKRA
Second Lt Rane played an instrumental role in recapturing Rajouri and saving its population from further atrocities by the enemy force. In April 1948, this brave officer was assigned the task of clearing mines and roadblocks so that armoured and infantry forces could reach Rajouri where Pakistani soldiers and armed tribesmen were indulging in loot and killings. Despite being pounded by mortar shells and ignoring their injuries, Second Lt Rane and his men cleared the 26-mile road from Naushera to Rajouri for the armoured column in just 4 days.
NAIK JADUNATH SINGH
PARAM VIR CHAKRA
Naik Jadunath Singh of 1 Rajput commanded picket No 2 on Taindhar ridge, which came under intense enemy attack. With his small force, he managed to make the enemy retreat thrice. In the process, he lost all his men and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice himself. Despite being outnumbered and injured, he personally took over the Bren-gun and thwarted the second attack. When the enemy launched a third attack, Naik Jadunath Singh charged at the enemy with his sten gun despite being alone and wounded. The enemy, surprised by this act of valour, fled in disorder. But during the third exchange, two enemy bullets pierced his head and chest and Naik Jadunath Singh was martyred.
LT COLONEL ANANT SINGH PATHANIA
MAHA VIR CHAKRA
Lt Col Singh led the first battalion of the 5 Gorkha Rifles, which fought one of the hardest battles fought by the infantry during the war in 1948. Lt Col Singh and his men broke the well-fortified enemy position on 'Anant' feature.
WG CDR MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER
MAHA VIR CHAKRA
Wing Commander Engineer was in charge of the Kashmir operations for nearly a year during which the enemy was hit hard and effectively at Kishen Ganga bridge, Skardu, Gilgit and other places. The most effective support by the IAF to our land forces in the capture of Gurais was attributable to the planning and drive shown by this officer in personally directing the air operations.
WING COMMANDER SIDNEY BASIL NOROHNA
MAHA VIR CHAKRA
Wing Commander Sidney Basil Norohna showed outstanding gallantry by completing more than 37 operational sorties over enemy's strong holds in close support of the Indian Army.
AIR COMMODORE MEHAR SINGH
MAHA VIR CHAKRA
As AOC No. 1 Group controlling operations in Jammu & Kashmir, Air Commodore Mehar Singh set an example to those serving under him when he became the first pilot to land an aircraft at the emergency landing ground at Poonch and at Leh
