The strategic Chinar Corps based in summer capital Srinagar’s Badami Bagh locality celebrated the 78th anniversary of its raising at the cantonment on Wednesday.
A defence statement said Chinar Corps was raised during World War II at Barrackpore on 20 March 1942. “As part of 14th Army, the Corps participated in the Burma Campaign at Arakan during World War II. Subsequently, the Corps was shifted to Karachi,” the statement said.
“In Oct 1947, the Corps got tethered to Kashmir for the first time when its 161 Inf Bde was tasked to fight the invading Pakistani regulars and Kabailis. All operations during 1947-48 Indo-Pak conflict were controlled by HQ Jammu and Kashmir Force. Later, on 04 January 1955 at Udhampur, the Corps was entrusted with the role of complete security of J&K state. The Corps made commutable contributions during 1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak wars as well,” the defence statement said.
“On 01 May 1972, the Northern Command Headquarters was established at Udhampur of the Chinar Corps shifted to its present location at Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar. Ever since, the Corps has been committed to the mission of ensuring the security of Kashmir region from external aggression and internal security challenges. Since 1989, when Pakistan launched its Proxy War against India, Chinar Corps has been successfully maintaining the territorial integrity of the Nation. Towards that end, the counter infiltration operations along LOC and counter terrorists operations in the hinterland have been the mainstay,” it said.
“In the last 77 years of its existence, the Corps had been conferred with four Victoria Crosses, four Military Crosses, 13 PVCs, 20 ACs and numerous other gallantry awards and citations. These honours highlight the selfless sacrifices of its valiant warriors,” the statement added.
“20th March is celebrated as Raising Day of Chinar Corps to commemorate the sacrifices of its brave soldiers. GOC Chinar Corps on this occasion laid a wreath at Badami Bagh Cantonment War Memorial and reverentially remembered these sacrifices and the heroes for achieving success in countless operations. He reinforced the expectation of the Nation, from the Corps, in view of the extraordinary circumstances in which Chinar Corps is operating,” it added.