As part of celebration for ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and to commemorate the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces in its first war after independence, Chinar Corps conducted a unique light & sound show to re-enact the historic ‘Battle of Shalateng’.
‘Battle of Shalateng’ was the most decisive battle of the first Indo-Pak War 1947 and had a long standing impact on the history and geography of Jammu & Kashmir. It literally changed the face of the war and saved Srinagar from the onslaught of the Pakistan Army and the barbarian hordes, supported by Pakistan Army. The well-coordinated and executed operations by 1 SIKH, 1 KUMAON, 4 KUMAON and a Squadron from 7 Light Cavalry, supported by the Indian Air Force strikes, changed the course of the war, wherein Kashmiri citizens and soldiers of the Indian Army fought valiantly alongside to evict Pakistani Forces, driving them out of most of Jammu & Kashmir till ceasefire on 05 January 1949.
The re-enactment of the ‘Battle of Shalateng’ events in the form of light & sound extravaganza was a befitting tribute to pay obeisance to the brave soldiers and the invaluable contribution of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who fought alongside the Indian Armed Forces to ultimately defeat Pakistan Army who had unleased plunder, loot, rape and destruction of property and houses of Kashmiris, their most deplorable act was the mass rapes of local women. The replica of the historic event was also a befitting tribute to honour the ‘Next of Kin’ of war heroes who participated in the 1947-48 War.
The nostalgic event was witnessed by Lieutenant General DP Pandey, Chinar Corps Commander along with several other civil and military dignitaries. In addition, the Next of Kin of war veterans who travelled across the country to be a part of this mega event were felicitated along with the units which participated in the ‘Battle of Shalateng’. Those felicitated included Mrs Usha Parmar, daughter of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Mahavir Chakra, Chief of Staff of the Jammu & Kashmir State Forces and Mrs Sher Mishra Rana, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Narain Singh Samyal, 4 JAK RIF.
The showcasing of the true historical events of 1947-48 Indo-Pak war will rekindle the curiosity of the youth to explore and rediscover the true history of Jammu & Kashmir and the valiant acts of those who selflessly put their lives at stake to protect the people of J&K.