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| Governor lauds success in containing terrorism, ensuring development | | Homage to Maj Som Nath Sharma | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | Nov 3
Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said the state government was doing well for the development of Jammu and Kashmir while the Security Forces were in control of the situation and had succeeded in containing terrorism.
After laying wreaths at the statue of Major Som Nath Sharma at the Srinagar Airport and Martyrs Memorial in the historic town of Budgam, the Governor said that faster economic development and welfare of the people was imperative for heralding lasting peace in the State that has undergone a traumatic phase of militancy for the past 18 years.
He complimented the Civil Administration, the Army, the Police and the Para Military Forces and above all the people of the State for bringing about a change in the situation.
Among those present at the homage paying ceremony at the Srinagar Airport were Chief Secretary, Mr B R Kundal, Corps Commander 15 Corps, Lt. General A S Sekhoon, Lt. General (Retd) L P Sadhotra, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Mr Mehboob Iqbal, IGP Kashmir, Mr S M Sahai and senior army and civil officers. A large number of locals were also present at the Srinagar Airport and Budgam Martyrs Memorial.
At Budgam, besides the Governor General Sinha, General Sekhon, General Sadhotra and senior army commanders, wreaths were laid on the martyrs’ memorial by Deputy Commissioner Mr Farooq Renzu and SSP Budgam, Syed Ashiq Bukhari.
The Governor and the senior officers saluted at the memorial as the ceremonial bugles blared and smartly attired contingent of the Army also presented salute to the martyr, who scripted a saga of valour in the chequeered military history of India.
To questions on the rle of Major Som Nath Sharma and the troops that landed in the Valley on October 27, 1947, the Governor recalled this day about 60 years ago, when the young Major Som Nath laid down his life at Budgam and defeated the enemy’s design of advancing towards Srinagar in 1947. He gave a vivid account of 1947 operations in Budgam, saying that the martyr was keen to advance to Baramulla as the first company of Indian Army to take on raiders, who had created havoc in Baramulla by indulging in plunder and mayhem. He was itching for an action when he landed at Srinagar airport with fractured arm.
On this day Major Sharma of 4 Kumaon Regiment, who was martyred fighting against the Pakistan-supported tribals from North Waziristan, became the first soldier of independent India to receive the PVC, the highest gallantry award, for his supreme sacrifice and outstanding gallantry in action.
Maj Sharma was the eldest son of an illustrious father, Maj Gen A N Sharma who was the first Director of Medical Services of the Indian Army after Independence, and was the brother of two distinguished individuals-Lieutenant General S N Sharma, who retired as the Engineer-in-Chief and General V N Sharma, who retired as the Chief of Army Staff. Throughout the second world war, he served with the 9/19 Hyderabad Battalion, which had the distinction of taking part in the famous Kangaw battle in Arakan where Maj Sharma was awarded a mention-in-Dispatches. Pakistan-aided tribals launched an attack on Kashmir which made the Maharaja to cede the Valley to Union of India. Accordingly, the first batch of Indian troops landed in the State on October 27.
The D Company of 4 Kumaon, led by Major Somnath Sharma, was airlifted to Srinagar on October 31. Even though the Major had one of his arm in plaster due to an injury suffered in a hockey game, he refused to stay back and joined his Company to fight the tribal aggression.
The ‘Kabailis’ resorted to guerrilla tactics to sneak into the Valley. But the induction of more troops enabled the Army to cover the area better.
On November 2, 1947, Major Sharma’s company was ordered to lead a patrol to a Budgam village in central Kashmir. He reached his objective at first light on next day and by 0930 hours the troops had established a firm base at Budgam. As no enemy movement was observed during patrolling, two companies moved back to Srinagar by 1400 hrs.
However, D company led by Major Sharma which had taken up position south of Badgam was asked to stay on in the area till 1500 hrs.
At 1435 hours, the troops were fired upon from some houses but they did not retaliate for fear of killing civilians.
While Major Sharma was discussing the threat with the Brigade Commander, about 700-strong ‘Kabaili’ group appeared to the west and attacked with 3-inch mortars, LMGs and rifles, having been completely outnumbered and with withering fire being brought to bear on its position from three sides, the Company sustained heavy casualties.
Major Sharma understood the gravity of the situation as well as the imminent threat to both Srinagar town and the airfield. He rushed across the open ground to his sections, exposing himself to enemy fire. He also laid out panels to guide IAF aircraft to their targets. When heavy casualties significantly weakened the firing power of the Company, Major Sharma, with his right hand in plaster, started loading light machine gun magazines for his troops. However, a mortar shell explosion killed him. But Major Sharma’s company held onto its position and the remnants withdrew only when almost completely surrendered. His inspiring example had resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours. Thus gaining time for reinforcements to get into position at Hum Hom to stem the tide of the enemy advance. His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy outnumbering them by seven to one for six hours, one hour after this gallant officer had been killed. His last message to Brigade HQ, received a few moments before he was killed, "The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered . We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round." His answer has now become a part of the army lore.
Besides Major Sharma, one JCO and 20 other ranks were martyred in the battle of Budgam. Major General Amarnath Sharma received India’s first and highest war-time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, on behalf of his brave son.
To commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by Major Sharma, a memorial was made at new air field Srinagar on November 3, 2004. Every year, Late Major Sharma is remembered on this day for his bravery and supreme sacrifice for the nation. |
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