Eastern Command celebrates 61st Infantry Day

Kolkata, Oct 27 (UNI) Eastern Command today celebrated Infantry Day to mark the achievement of the Indian Army in its maiden military engagement in post independence era.

On this day, 61 years ago, the first body of Infantry Soldiers landed in Srinagar airfield in response to the threat posed to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity by Pakistan.

Indian Infantry has a glorious history of warfare both in its duty of guarding the frontiers and as United Nations Peace Keepers in Africa and West Asia.

Infantry has been the key battle-winning factor during all wars and has been the mainstay in all Counter Insurgency Operations and Internal Security duties.

Eastern Command has been in the forefront of infantry operations, be it Counter Insurgency Operations, Operation Sadhbhavna, Aid of civil administration.

The role of Infantry is unique in Eastern Command. It has to adapt and operate in different terrain, altitudes and weather conditions.

Be it the sub-zero icy field in the Himalayas of the North and East Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh or the northeast jungles, the infantry has earned for itself a unique place of pride.

To command Infantry Day, and to pay a launching to the countrymen, who have made the supreme sacrifice, wreaths were laid at the imposing vijay Smarak War Memorial by Lt General VK Singh, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.

Mr Singh, on the occasion, greeted the infantrymen and urged them to carry forward the ideals and professionalism to greater heights while upgrading themselves to face the challenges of the modern day battlefield.

A ''Barakhana'' will be held at Garrison Battalion ground where Infantry veterans will also join later.

UNI PC RH SB HS1058