The
border town of Poonch came alive with lively celebrations today as it marked
the 77th anniversary of its historic link-up with the rest of the nation in
1948. The Indian Army and the people of Poonch marked the occasion with a
splendid affair that displayed their shared legacy of bravery, strength, and
determined camaraderie.
November 22, 1948, stays etched in the annals of Indian
history as the day the Indian Army, led by Brigadier Pritam Singh, ended a
brutal 15-month siege of Poonch. Amid severe challenges of hunger, disease, and
aggressive attacks from the Pakistani Army, the citizens of Poonch and the
Indian forces stood strong, showing remarkable resilience. Reminiscing on this
momentous day, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, AVSM, SM, General Officer
Commanding, 16 Corps, said, “Today,
we come together to honour the courage, resilience, and unbreakable bond that
the Awam and Indian Army have shared over the past 77 years.”
The month-long celebrations culminated in a series of
grand events. Sports competitions, including football, cricket, hockey, and
volleyball, drew active participation from local teams, with City FC, Shahpur
Cricket Club, Shyam Lal Hockey Club, and Shaheed Manjeet Singh Club emerging
victorious. Notably, a taekwondo demonstration showed rising talent in the
region.
Cultural performances emphasized Poonch’s rich heritage,
with traditional folk songs, dances, and poetry adding a lively touch. Nazir, a
visually impaired poet from Mendhar, captured hearts with his heartfelt
recitation. Expressing his thanks, he said, “Performing in front of such a large audience is a
dream come true. I am thankful to the Army for giving us this opportunity.”
One of the key highlights was an Ex-Servicemen’s rally
held at Pritam Stadium. Over 5,000 veterans attended the event, which acted as
a forum to settle pension irregularities and disburse nearly ₹26 lakh in
arrears. New CSD and ECHS cards,
educational scholarships, marriage grants, and mobility aids for disabled
veterans were also disseminated.
Collaborations with institutions like the War Wounded Foundation played a crucial role in the outreach.
Speaking on the
occasion, Lieutenant General Sachdeva said, “These veterans served their time in the Army. Now
it’s our turn to serve them.” From
sports and cultural displays to honoring veterans, Poonch Day 2024 was a sincere
homage to the unconquerable soul of the town and its lasting relationship with
the Indian Army. As the celebrations ended, the spirit of unity and resilience
resonated across the district, reaffirming the dedication to protecting
Poonch’s legacy and its people. (PR)