 Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 14 : J&K Freedom Fighters Association (JKFFA) on Friday paid rich tributes to Brigadier Rajinder Singh, the unsung hero who saved Kashmir from falling in the hands of Pakistani raiders in 1947 and laid down his life fighting the enemy, on his 120th birth anniversary.
The function was organized by JKFFA Chairman, Ved Gandotra and Vice Chairman, Rajiv Mahajan at Dogra Shourya Sthal, Amphalla, here where prominent members of JKFFA were also present. They paid floral tributes to the great soul. Speaking on the occasion, R.C Puri, President JKFFA said, "It is a proud moment for all of us that Brigadier Rajinder Singh belonged to Jammu and was Independent India's first Maha Vir Chakra recipient. With a small number of about 100-odd troopers, Singh had stopped the march of Pakistani army and raiders into Kashmir and sacrificed his life on October 26, 1947."
He said the supreme sacrifice of Brigadier Rajinder Singh could never be forgotten.
"Brigadier Rajinder Singh was successful in his aim but had to lay down his own life. This was the rarest example when a General himself indulged in close fight with enemy," he said.
Puri recalled that on October 22, 1947, a force of over 5,000 Pakistani troops invaded the state of Jammu & Kashmir all along its border after Maharaja Hari Singh declared Independence following the Partition of the Indian sub-continent.
The Jammu & Kashmir State Forces, heavily outnumbered, fought hard holding on to their positions, despite limited arms, ammunition and supplies. The fate of the Valley was uncertain when Brigadier Rajinder Singh, the Chief of Military Staff, took over the command of a relief column and proceeded to the town of Muzzafarabad ( now in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) to prevent the onslaught. |
