Infantry day celebrated in Chandimandir

Chandigarh, Oct 27 (UNI) Lt Gen A N Aul, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Western Command, along with other Infantry officers and Jawans paid tribute to martyrs in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the 'Veer Smriti', the Command War Memorial to kick off the Infantry Day celebrations at Chandimandir Cantonment today.

While writing his remarks in the visitors' book in the War Memorial, Gen Aul said ''This is a day to remember our brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. They are our motivation and lending light.'' On the occasion, a special Sainik Sammelan was held where Gen Aul addressed the Infantry troops in the station.

Barakhana was organised on the occasion in all Infantry Battalions in the station. A social evening was organised at the Shivalik Officers Institute, Chandimandir, where serving Infantry Officers got an opportunity to interact with their predecessors, the Infantry veterans, living in and around Chandigarh.

October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day, as it was on this day in 1947 that the first Indian Soldiers (1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment) landed at Srinagar, to defend the country against the onslaught of Pakistan backed raiders. This was the beginning of a new era of valour and sacrifice for the Indian Infantry.

Infantry units have been successfully conducting counter insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North Eastern states since the early 50s. The Indian Infantry man today has become a seasoned soldier in low intensity operations, battling with militants of foreign and Indian origin in the country and on UN missions.

Infantry ''The Queen of Battle'' is the largest component and the premier fighting arm of the Indian Army.

On the occasion, all Infantry men pledged and re-dedicated themselves to work towards sustaining and building up the indomitable team and traditions of valour.

UNI