Tributes paid to 1965 Indo-Pak war heroes

Nikhil Bhardwaj

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 22

A programme was held to commemorate the 1965 Indo-Pak War and pay tributes to the soldiers who laid their lives for the nation at the Vajra Corps headquarters here today

From the enthralling performance of a live musical band to showering of flowers by Army helicopters, war veterans, veer naris and Army personnel recalled the martyrs.

Emotions ran high among the veer naris when the names of their husbands were announced for paying tributes.

Live band songs, including ‘De Shiva Var Mohe’, ‘Kar chaley hum fida jano tan sathiyo’, ‘Ah mere watan ke logo’ and ‘Vandey Matram’, were sung by Hav Bishol Lambu, NK Kaushal Rai, Binod Lama and Dawa Lama enthralled the audience.

A spokesman while recalling the battle time said, “The second Indo-Pak War was fought all across the Western Front in August – September 1965. Vajra Corps witnessed some of the fiercest battles in history during the 1965 war. From the graveyard of Patton Nagar to the ruins of Barki and Dograi, numerous acts of individual and collective bravery, gallant sacrifice and inspiring leadership ensured that Vajra Corps played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the nation. The grit and resolve shown by the soldiers of the Vajra Corps earned it the title of ‘Defenders of Punjab’.”

The 1965 war was a crowning glory for the Vajra Corps as it garnered bulk of awards conferred by a grateful nation, with 17 units earning Battle Honour title.

The formation was adorned by one Param Vir Chakra, 11 Maha Vir Chakras and 43 Vir Chakras for individual gallantry during the entire campaign, the spokesman added.

To pay homage and tributes to the martyrs of the Vajra Corps, a wreath laying ceremony was held at Vajra Shaurya Sthal.

Lt Gen JS Cheema, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, laid wreath along with veterans of the 1965 war.

The wreath laying ceremony was followed by a photo exhibition of the 1965 war and Barakhana, where the veterans shared their war experiences with the serving soldiers.