Western Command to celebrate 59th anniversary on Sept 15

Chandigarh, Sep 13 (UNI) The Western Command, a frontline operational command of the Indian Army, would be celebrating the 59th anniversary of its Raising Day on September 15.

Raised on September 15, 1947 as Delhi and East Punjab Command (DEP), with its Headquarters at Delhi, it controlled all formations with an operational role in the territorial areas of the present Western and Northern command.

The DEP Command was rechristened as Western Command in January 1948 and subsequently in 1954, the Headquarters of the Command moved to Shimla. After the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, the Northern Command, with its Headquarters at Udhampur, was carved out of Western Command to assume operational responsibility of Jammu and Kashmir. In 1985, the Headquarters of the Western Command moved to its present location at Chandimandir.

The Raising Day celebration would begin with paying homage to the martyrs at ''Veer Smriti'', the Command War Memorial. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command Lt Gen Daljeet Singh would lay the wreath at a solemn ceremony. A Barakhana for jawans and civilian staff of Headquarters Western Command and Band Concert are also planned as part of the celebrations.

The Western Army has a glorious tradition of valour and dedication and has played a stellar role in preserving the territorial integrity of the nation.

Its Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and men have acquitted themselves creditably in all conflicts since Independence. It was instrumental in effectively blunting the Pakistani aggressions in 1947, 1965 and 1971 and subsequently carrying the battle into enemy territory, thereby underlining the resilience and offensive spirit of the men who form part of this Command.

Its formations and units have participated and distinguished themselves winning a large number of gallantry awards including 11 Param Vir Chakras.

Western Command has time and again, provided succour to the civilian population during natural calamities. During the past year, troops of Western Command won the hearts and minds of the people of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh by promptly rendering a helping hand in times of crisis.

UNI DP JMK PA RK1500