First recipient of PVC after Independence remembered in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 3 (UNI) Celebrating the anniversary of 1947 Badgam Operation, the Army today paid tributes to soldiers, including Major Somnath Sharma, first recipient of Param Vir Chakra (PVC) post-Independence, who made supreme sacrifices fighting against the 'Kabailis' (tribals) backed by Pakistan.

On this day Major Sharma of 4 Kumaon Regiment, who was martyred fighting against the Pakistan-supported tribals from North Waziristan, become the first soldier of independent India to receive the PVC, the highest gallantry award, for his supreme sacrifice and outstanding gallantry in action.

Maj Sharma was the eldest son of an illustrious father, Maj Gen A N Sharma who was the first Director of medical services of the Indian Army after Independence, and was the brother of two distinguished individuals -- Lieutenant General S N Sharma, who retired as the Engineer-in-Chief and General V N Sharma, who retired as the Chief of Army Staff.

Throughout the second world war, he served with the 9/19 Hyderabad Battalion, which had the distinction of taking pat in the famous Kangaw battle in Arakan where Maj Sharma was awarded a mention-in-Dispatches.

Pakistan-aided tribals launched an attack on Kashmir which made the Maharaja to cede the valley to Union of India. Accordingly, the first batch of Indian troops landed in the state on October 27.

The D Company of 4 Kumaon, led by Major Somnath Sharma, was airlifted to Srinagar on October 31. Even though the Major had one of his arm in plaster due to an injury suffered in a hockey game, he refused to stay back and joined his Company to fight the tribal aggression.

The 'Kabailis' resorted to guerilla tactics to sneak into the valley. But the induction of more troops enabled the Army to cover the area better.

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