50
Years into the Glorious Past: A Tri-Service Hue In 1965
Honour, selfless service and the spirit of sacrifice are ingrained tenets of
the Indian Armed Forces enabling them to acquit themselves commendably both in
war and peace. In the face of grave personal danger, the Indian Soldier,
Sailor and Air Warrior have never hesitated in making the supreme sacrifice in
the line of duty. One such example of this ‘Glorious Saga’ was witnessed in
1965, wherein our Armed Forces exhibited tremendous grit, determination and
fortitude; living up to the faith reposed in them by the Indian Nation and its
leaders. It was in 1965, the Indian Armed Forces were put to test by Pakistan
for a second time, wherein Pakistani forces attacked in the area of
Kutch. Subsequently skirmishes in the Kashmir valley and thereafter the
armoured attacks in Chhamb area of Jammu Province were witnessed.
The Indian Armed Forces, fought valiantly in
the true spirit of the Indian Soldier. This was achieved through superior
leadership and adroit application of operational art. Significant achievements
by Indian
Armed Forces that could find its place in the
annals of the military history were the capture of the Haji Pir Pass and the
Battle of Asal Uttar in Khem Karan Sector;
The most intense tank to tank battles since
World War – II. The war also witnessed large scale aerial combats for the first
time since independence wherein the timely entry of the Indian Air Force
provided additional impetus that eventually stalled Pakistan’s nefarious
designs, especially in the Chhamb-Jaurian Sector. Navy too standing by
its ethos and camaraderie continued to provide its unflinching support to armed
forces thus facilitating in achieving decisive victory over Pakistan.
