Pathankot, December 16
The Black Arrow Brigade of the Western Command commemorated its victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War by paying homage to the martyrs and honouring the war heroes some where in the western sector here today.

It was on this day, 35 years ago that the Brigade fought the daunting armoured action in the Shakargarh Sector, which resulted in resounding victory over Pakistan.

In this epic battle, the Brigade was spearheaded by the Hodson’s Horse, the Poona Horse and 18 Raj Rif. Clubbed with them were teams of all arms, including infantry, artillery, army air defence and engineers, who for the first time since Independence were bestowed upon by a common battle honour ‘Basantar’. So fierce was the battle that in just about a day, Pakistan lost 50 Patton tanks and its 8 (I) Armoured Brigade was decimated on the banks of River Basantar.

By the end of the war the Black Arrow Brigade was the most highly decorated formation of the Army, having won 79 gallantry awards. These included one Param Veer Chakra, five Maha Veer Chakras, 12 Veer Chakras, 27 Sena Medals, 2 Vishisht Seva Madals and 32 Mention in Despatches. The Param Veer Chakra (PVC) was awarded to 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal of the Poona Horse, posthumously and Major (later Colonel) Hoshiar Singh of the Grenadiers.

This year the celebrations of the Black Arrow Brigade were dedicated to these gallant soldiers. Number of events were organised in their honour. ‘Remembrance Parade’ was held to pay homage to the martyrs at the magnificent Black Arrow War Memorial.

The ‘Veer - Naris’ whose husband’s laid their life for the nation were also honoured.

A large number of retired officers, JCOs and other ranks who had participated in the historic battle were present to motivate the present and future generation of soldiers. 

Jalandhar, December 16
In what could be termed as infighting among top Congress leaders in Punjab, PPCC president Shamsher Singh Dullo today said that no one was in favour his becoming state Congress chief. He was addressing a function organised to pay homage to Dr. B. R Ambedkar on his 50th death anniversary at Ambedkar Bhawan here today.

Mr. Dullo said it was AICC chief Ms Sonia Gandhi who appointed him as PPCC chief otherwise no Congress leader from Punjab was in his favour.

Mr. Dullo said that the Congress would release its manifesto for the state Assembly elections by January 15 and a committee for the purpose would be formed within a few days. PPCC chief said he was in favour that Punjabis should be preferred while giving jobs in private industries of the state as they were provided subsidies. This issue would be included in the manifesto, he added.

Jalandhar DCC chief Raj Kumar Gupta and its vice president Virendra Sharma were present on the occasion.

Later, the Gazetted and non-Gazetted SC BC Employees Welfare Federation of Punjab honoured Mr Dullo at Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall for his `exemplary activities for the cause of the poor, farmers, labourers, Dalits and backwards’. He was presented a sword and a siropa.

The president of the Federation, Mr. Jasbir Singh Pal ,said that their organisation would continue to fight against the anti -reservation forces. 

Jalandhar, December 16
Christmas celebrations were advanced by nine days at Trinity College here for the visit of Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, today.

The CM was greeted by Santa Clauses as he arrived on the campus at 11:30 pm, one and a half hour before schedule. He was taken around the campus by Bishop Symphorian Keeprath and other preachers. He was later presented a shawl and momento.

He gave good wishes to the Christian community and talked about decisions taken in yesterday’s cabinet meeting for doling out sops for the underprivileged. He said that the below poverty line (BPL) people who were nearly 4.6 lakh in number would be given wheat and pulses for Rs 2 per kg. He said that above the poverty line (APL) people would be given wheat for Rs 6 per kg. He said that the population of such people was close to 45 lakh in Punjab, while 25 lakh of them have ration cards.