Tribute to an unknown soldier

Swati Rai

The Ferozepur district and its namesake town’s strategic northwest positioning have ensured that it is a part of myriad military expeditions throughout history. Not for nothing is it called the Land of the Martyrs — right from the Anglo-Sikh wars to the struggle for India’s independence.

Not surprising then that the town boasts of some impressive memorials that help in making the memory of these brave hearts everlasting. Right from the Saragarhi Gurdwara Memorial that was built to commemorate the sacrifice of 21 Sikh soldiers, who perished at Saragarhi in Baluchistan in 1897 to the Barki Memorial in the same compound right off the busy highway.

As India celebrates 50 years since the 1965 War against Pakistan, the Barki Memorial has come to greater prominence. The Battle of Barki was fought by Indian infantry and Pakistani armor in the war. The fall of Barki, a town situated 15 miles south-east of Lahore, was a landmark victory for India in the war. 

In response to Operation Grand Slam by Pakistan, India opened up the Lahore front, and the Indian troops advanced towards the prominent city of Pakistan, along the three axes of Amritsar-Lahore, Khalra-Barki-Lahore and that of Khem Karan-Kasur roads. The Army was successful in pushing the Pakistani army back and their aim was to encircle Lahore. It was on the Khalra-Barki-Lahore road that the Battle of Barki was fought.

After the arrival of the tanks of India’s 18th Cavalry regiment, the Army launched its main assault on September 10. Indian Infantry had till then managed to hold off the Pakistani forces. Intense fighting ensued, resulting in India’s capturing of Barki town on September  11, which paved the way for the Indian forces to advance towards Dograi, near Lahore.  The Barki Memorial was constructed in 1969 to commemorate the sacrifice of the soldiers of the 7 Infantry Division, in the Battle of Barki.

The memorial has a pillar in the centre, a captured Patton tank and a Barki milestone on the south and a water fountain on the North. The pillar is 27 feet high and is built of red and white sand stone and gneise. The mouldings and relief carvings are in the classical Indian architectural style. The fountain perpetuates the memory of the slain soldiers as it signifies that the memory of the departed will forever be lush and green.

Situated just off the highway, the memorial sees inquisitive visitors and military enthusiasts come visiting the memorials of this border town, which might just be the biggest military tourism hub in the country!