1965 war memories relived at ARTRAC exhibition

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 9

The 1965 war victory of the Indian armed forces over Pakistan today recreated euphoria and patriotism as a large number of visitors, including tourists, lined up on The Ridge to revisit a series of events.

A three-day exhibition, being organised by the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla, to commemorate the golden jubilee of the war, was inaugurated by Governor Acharya Devvrat. Short movies are also being screened.

Visitors made a beeline for the venue. The Indian Army tasted considerable success, capturing three important mountain positions after a prolonged artillery barrage. It captured the Haji Pir pass, 8 km into Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. The Army fought 13 major battles.

The visitors remembered the brave soldiers. The scenes showed them leading from the war front and launching assaults on the enemy.

“We travelled back into time and realised how our soldiers fought the battle,” said Chaya Chauhan and Anirudh Thakur, school students.

“It educates and inspires youngsters who do not kno much about the 1965 war,” said Randev, a senior citizen.

Weapons caught the fancy of the visitors. The Governor paid tributes to the martyrs and lauded the valour and devotion of the armed forces.

Lt General PM Hariz, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC, Shimla, gave a detailed account of various battles fought in 1965.

Lt General Raman Dhawan, Chief of Staff, ARTRAC, Shimla, Dinesh Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Mohan Chauhan, Secretary, GAD, and Officers of ARTRAC, Shimla, were also present.

Guv for opening NDA coaching centres

Governor Acharya Devvrat said efforts should be made to open NDA coaching centres for preparing the youth for defence services examinations.