Srinagar: Army Chinar Corps conducted a unique light and sound show to commemorate the historic victory “Battle of Shalateng” when Indian Armed Forces in its first war after Independence in Kashmir defeated Pakistan in 1947.
A defence Public Relations Office (PRO) Emron Musavi said that as part of celebration for ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the “Battle of Shalateng” was the most decisive battle of the first Indo-Pak War 1947 and had a long standing impact on the history and geography of Jammu & Kashmir.
He said the Indian Army saved Srinagar from the onslaught and the barbarian hordes.
The well-coordinated and executed operations by 1 SIKH, 1 KUMAON, 4 KUMAON and a Squadron from 7 Light Cavalry, supported by the Indian Air Force strikes, changed the course of the war, wherein Kashmiri citizens and soldiers of the Indian Army fought valiantly alongside to evict Pakistani forces, driving them out of most of Jammu & Kashmir till ceasefire on 05 January 1949, the PRO said.
The re-enactment of the ‘Battle of Shalateng’ events in the form of light and sound extravaganza was a befitting tribute to pay obeisance to the brave soldiers and the invaluable contribution of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who fought alongside the Indian Armed Forces till ultimate defeat to Pakistan Army.
The replica of the historic event was also a befitting tribute to honour the ‘Next of Kin’ of war heroes, who participated in the 1947-48 War.
The nostalgic event was witnessed by Lieutenant General DP Pandey, Chinar Corps Commander along with several other civil and military dignitaries.
In addition, the Next of Kin of war veterans who travelled across the country to be a part of this mega event were felicitated along with the units, which participated in the ‘Battle of Shalateng’, the PRO said.
Those felicitated included Usha Parmar, daughter of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Mahavir Chakra, Chief of Staff of the Jammu & Kashmir State Forces and Sher Mishra Rana, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Narain Singh Samyal, 4 JAK RIF.
The showcasing of the true historical events of 1947-48 Indo-Pak war will rekindle the curiosity of the youth to explore and rediscover the true history of Jammu and Kashmir and the valiant acts of those who selflessly put their lives at stake to protect the people.
