The dawn of 27 October 1947 is etched in the pages of India’s military and national history as the day when the Indian Army carried out a daring and decisive operation – the landing at Srinagar old airfield. This singular act safeguarded the Srinagar city and ensured that Jammu and Kashmir remained an integral part of the Indian Union. It was a turning point in the early months after independence when the newly born nation faced the monumental challenge of defending its territorial integrity. In the wake of India’s independence on 15 August 1947, princely states were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan. While many states had made their decision by then, the state of Jammu and Kashmir, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, hesitated to join either country. He wanted to keep the state independent, balancing relations with both neighbours. However, the situation soon turned dire.

In October 1947, Pakistan sponsored and supported an invasion by tribal raiders, backed by the regulars of the Pakistani Army. Thousands of armed tribesmen entered Kashmir through the western frontiers, committing extreme inhuman brutal atrocities and spreading terror in Muzaffarabad, Baramulla, Uri and adjoining areas of Srinagar. The raiders rapidly advanced toward Srinagar, threatening to capture the capital city and strategicaly located airfield. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, formally acceding Jammu and Kashmir to India. It was under these circumstances that the Indian Army was tasked with the urgent mission of airlifting troops to defend Srinagar and halt the advancing raiders supported by Pak regular Army.
On the morning of 27 October 1947, the first batch of Indian troops, belonging to the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, landed at Srinagar airfield. This was the Indian Army’s first major airlift operation and remains a defining moment in the history of independent India and newly joined state of Jammu and Kashmir accessed to union of India. The sight of the Dakotas of the Indian Air Force touching down on the tarmac of Srinagar old airfield, carrying men, weapons and supplies was well planned military maneuver and a symbolic assertion of India’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity. The soldiers who disembarked on morning of 27 Oct 1947 were fully aware that they were facing overwhelming odds. Indian Army’s soldiers courage and determination carried them forward and timely action defended the airfield of Srinagar City. Immediately after landing, the troops were deployed to secure the Srinagar airfield, recognizing its importance as the lifeline for reinforcements and supplies. Without control of the airfield, the Army could not have held Srinagar. Once the airfield was secured, the battalion swiftly moved towards Baramulla-Uri road to delay the raiders advance and saved many precious human lives. In the fierce engagement that followed, the unit gallantly against overwhelming numbers. The brave Commanding Officer himself laid down his life in the line of duty, but his leadership and sacrifice bought precious time for additional Indian troops to be airlifted into Srinagar. His courage remains an enduring inspiration in the annals of the Indian Army.
The successful defense of Srinagar old airfield enabled the Indian Army to steadily reinforce its presence in the Kashmir Valley. The raiders, who had initially advanced with great speed, were now challenged and gradually pushed back. The Indian Army defended Srinagar and went on to secure Baramulla and Uri road and drive the invaders out of large parts of Kashmir Valley. This operation showcased the seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Despite limited resources and the fledgling state of independent India’s armed forces, the military leadership demonstrated strategic foresight and remarkable execution. The landing at Srinagar on 27 October 1947 holds immense historical and emotional significance. It was not merely a military operation; it was the assertion of India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, following the state’s legal accession. It also set the stage for the first Indo-Pak conflict of 1947–48, during which Indian soldiers displayed unmatched valor and determination and defeated the Pak’s plan to annex the state of Jammu and Kashmir forcefully by raiders brutal attack on local people. Every year, 27 October is remembered as Infantry Day, in honour of the gallant soldiers of 1 SIKH who made the historic landing and those who laid down their lives to protect the sovereignty of the nation. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that secured the future of Jammu and Kashmir within India. The morning of 27 October 1947 was the moment when destiny tested the courage of a young nation and its armed forces. The landing of Indian troops at Srinagar airfield not only saved the Valley from falling into enemy hands but also became a testament to India’s determination to defend every inch of its territory. Today, as the nation remembers this event, it salutes the bravery of the soldiers who turned the tide of history with their indomitable spirit.