Diplomat Correspondent
Rajouri : DD, As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking 60 years of the historic Battle of OP Hill (1965), the Indian Army organised a series of commemorative and outreach activities over a span of 15 days across the border areas of Poonch, Balnoi, Mankote, Khari Karmara and Jhalas. The initiatives included motivational lectures and presentations in eight border schools to inspire young minds, Mobile Planetarium Shows, a T-10 Cricket Tournament, Talent Hunt Competitions and the distribution of sports equipment all aimed at motivating youth and strengthening the Indian Army–civil populace connect. The celebrations culminated at OP Hill, Balnoi, with a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony and Guard of Honour, paying tribute to the gallant soldiers who displayed exceptional courage and made the supreme sacrifice in recapturing the formidable position during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.
The event was graced by Lieutenant General P. K. Mishra, General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knighy Corps, and Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, GOC, Ace of Spades Division, along with decorated war veterans Colonel Randhir Singh, SM (Retd) and Colonel Ravel Singh (Retd).
Personnel from the Indian Army were also present to honour the heroes of the battle. The day concluded with impressive martial art and cultural performances, including Gatka, Kalaripayattu and Gojri folk dances, along with a moving sand-art tribute by Mr. Rahul Arya. The event also witnessed the distribution of wheelchairs to differently-abled persons, reaffirming the Indian Army’s ethos of valour, honour and commitment to the welfare of the people.DD
