The Diplomat Desk
Poonch, TDD,A historic milestone marks the 77th anniversary of the historic military link-up of Poonch with the rest of the country. On this day in 1948, the Indian Army, under the revered Brigadier Pritam Singh, successfully ended a grueling 15-month siege of the border town of Poonch. Despite facing hunger, disease, and relentless attempts by the Pakistani Army to overrun the town, the indomitable spirit of the Poonchies and the Indian Army prevailed. Reflecting on this shared legacy, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps, remarked, “Today, we come together to honour the courage, resilience, and unbreakable bond that the Awam and Indian Army have shared over the past 77 years.”
A Unique Chapter in Military History
The siege of Poonch is unparalleled in the annals of military warfare. Lasting over a year, it stands out for the resilience demonstrated and the remarkable fact that no territory exchanged hands—a testament to the unwavering resolve of both the Indian Army and the people of Poonch.
A Celebration of Unity and Resilience
For the people of Poonch and the Indian Army, Poonch Day is more than a commemoration—it is a celebration of a living, breathing relationship. The district has been abuzz with activity for the past month, culminating in a series of vibrant events that reflect the festive spirit of the community.
Sportsmanship and Talent on Display
The celebrations were marked by enthusiastic participation in sports like football, cricket, hockey, and volleyball. Villages competed passionately, showcasing remarkable talent and resilience. City FC, Shahpur Cricket Club, Shyam Lal Hockey Club, and Shaheed Manjeet Singh Club emerged as champions. Taekwondo, a relatively uncommon sport, also saw performances worthy of national attention. A bike rally was also flagged off on the occasion.
Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, AVSM, SM, interacted with the winners, lauding their determination and sportsmanship. In addition to sports, cultural events highlighted the district’s rich heritage, featuring traditional folk songs, dances, and poetry unique to Poonch, underscoring the unity and shared history of the region.
Nurturing Artistic Talent
The Talent Hunt provided a platform for young performers to shine. Nazir, a visually impaired poet from Mendhar, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Performing in front of such a large audience is a dream come true. I am thankful to the Army for giving us this opportunity.” The GOC of 25 Infantry Division emphasized the importance of such events in fostering unity, stating, “This is more than a contest; it is a celebration of our shared dreams and strength in unity.”
Honouring Veterans
An Ex-Servicemen’s rally was a key highlight of the celebrations, with over 5,000 veterans in attendance. The local Army unit worked tirelessly over six months to resolve pension anomalies, disbursing arrears of nearly ₹26 lakh. New CSD and ECHS cards, educational scholarships, marriage grants, and mobility equipment for disabled veterans were also distributed, thanks to partnerships with organizations like the War Wounded Foundation.
Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva remarked, “These veterans served their time in the Army. Now it’s our turn to serve them.” The rally, held at the historic Pritam Stadium, was a testament to the enduring commitment of the Indian Army to its veterans.
A Day to Remember
Poonch Day 2024 was a fitting tribute to the resilience, courage, and unbreakable bond between the people of Poonch and the Indian Army—a celebration of a shared legacy that continues to safeguard this crucial border town and its community.TDD
