Chinar Corps celebrates raising day

Srinagar, Jan 12 (UNI) The Srinagar-based XV Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, celebrated its raising day today.

XV Corps General Officer-in-Commanding (GOC) Lt Gen Mukesh Sabharwal laid a wreath at the War Memorial on behalf of all ranks as a mark of respect to all martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Rted) S K Sinha, who had arrived here from Jammu, released a special cover on the occasion.

The Chinar Corps was raised in the pre-partition days at Port Said in Egypt on January 12, 1916. After independence, the Corps was made responsible for entire Jammu and Kashmir and was based at Udhampur.

The complete operations of 1947-48 were conducted by the XV Corps. Subsequently after the raising of the Northern Command, the Chinar Corps was shifted to Badami Bagh here.

Subsequently on raising of HQ! northern Command the Corps shifted to its present location at Badami Bagh, Cantt Srinagar in 1972.

15 Corps also known as ''Chinar Corps'', derives its name for the formation sigh of a Chinar leaf with a battle axe on it.

A defence spokesman said the Corps has taken part in all wars fought by the country so far and was involved in countering insurgency in Kashmir since its inception.

A great amount of control on the militant activities has been achieved due to the dedication, courage and hard work of troops under the command of XV Corps, he added.

The Chinar Corps has excelled in all operations it has taken part in and has an enviable record of gallantry. Its achievements will continue to be recorded in the annals of military history, he said.

The spokesman said the Chinar Corps has always been at the forefront -- be it neutralising or apprehending militants or relief operations or uplift of poor and the needy.

For some time now, he said the XV Corps has been working for the welfare of the people of the Kashmir valley. Some of the recent achievements were relief and rehabilitation to survivors of quake and snow-storm, raising of Territorial Army for employment to youth, sponsoring tours for children, elders and women, opening Goodwill Schools, constructing micro-hydel power projects and looking after the militancy-affected children by opening orphanages.

After independence, 15 Corps has won 13 Param Vir Chakras, 83 Maha Vir Chakras, 281 Shurya Chakras, 13 Ashok Chakras, 61 Kirti Chakras, 473 Vir Chakras, five Param Vishist Seva Medal, 13 Uttaqm Yudh Seva Medal, 28 Ati Vishist Seva Medal, 47 Yudh Seva medal, 1694 Sena Medal and 95 Vishist Seva Medal till date.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Sabharwal exhorted all ranks to re-dedicate themselves and carry out exemplary work so that the name of the Chinar Corps was written in golden words in years to come.

''We must work with the people to ensure peace and tranquility in the Kashmir valley,'' he added.

UNI BAS SHB BST1630