Western Command to celebrate diamond jublee on Sept 15

Chandigarh, Sept 10, (UNI) To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Western Command on September 15 this year, a number of events have been planned from September 12-15.

The celebrations to mark the Raising Day of the Command would commence with a memorial service at the Command war memorial 'Veer Smiriti' followed by release of first day cover, Army Commander's Conclave, entertainment programme and a band concert.

The events include a Kathak performance by Nandita Puri on the opening day, followed by a tattoo show, dare devil show by the motorcyclists of the Corps of Signals, band display, dog show, malkhamb, martial arts and an english play "Sammy".

The celebrations will be graced by senior civil and government dignitaries and retired Army Commanders of the Command.

Raised on September 15, 1947, the Western Command was popularly known as the Delhi and East Punjab Area (DEP) Command. Lt Gen Dudley Russel was the first Army Commander of the Command. As it entailed constant movement, a special self contained train was placed at the disposal of Headquarters DEP Command. The mobile Command Headquarters moved from place to place in Punjab to restore law and order. DEP Command was redesignated as the 'Western Command' on January 18, 1948. In 1954 the Headquarters moved to Shimla from Delhi and in February 1985 it moved to its present location, Chandimandir under the Command of Lt Gen K Sunderji.

Western Command has actively participated in all the wars 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. The victories won by Western Command have enabled the country to have an upper hand in the negotiations that followed at the end of each conflict.

During the period of militancy in Punjab, Western Command rendered yeoman's service in combating terrorism and restoring normalcy and faith of civilians in the democratically installed Government of the State. 'Operation Rakshak' launched for this purpose, coupled with innovative civic action programmes, redeemed the image of the army as the 'Saviour of the Nation', amongst the local populace in Punjab.

UNI