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| LOOKING BACK | | 1 Sikh defended Kashmir first of all | |
SANT KUMAR SHARMA
Jammu, Oct 27: Indian aircraft carrying men from 1 Sikh took off from Delhi on October 27, 1947, for Srinagar before daylight at 5 a.m. But the pilots had been told to be on their guard as it was not clear whether the airport was in the hands of friendly forces or with the enemy
The Commanding Officer of the unit, Lt Col D R Rai, was tasked to secure the Srinagar airport and wireless station. Yet, such was the uncertainty that he was asked to first circle the Srinagar airport and make sure that he did not land among enemies.
He was even told that in case he found that the raiders had occupied the airport, he should fly to Jammu and land there. From there, he was to travel by road to Srinagar to launch the counter-attack.
The RIAF (Royal Indian Air Force) provided six Dakotas to begin the operations and civilian Dakotas were commandeered to augment their efforts. Over two dozen flights carried at least 15 men each with their personal arms and bed-rolls. Besides, these Dakotas also carried supplies.
By 3 p.m. that day, Delhi received a clear message that Baramulla town had fallen into the hands of the raiders. Lt Col Rai was now told clearly that he must halt the march of the marauders to Srinagar.
It also became clear to the Indian troops that civilian administration had ceased to exist and it was a virtual free-for-all that prevailed. These defenders of Srinagar braced themselves up for the enemy assault that night but nothing happened.
On October 28 morning, Lt Col Rai decided to move forward and interacted with his troops manning the front line trenches. Soon thereafter, the enemy launched a ferocious attack against the 1 Sikh positions. It became apparent after some time that the enemy may encircle the defenders.
The gallant officer than decided to withdraw to a better location, in the rear and followed the movement of his men closely. The men withdrew to the rear position and dug in to fight the enemy again.
Just when his troops had completed the rearguard action, a stray bullet hit Lt Col Rai in the head killing him on the spot.
He thus became the first officer of the Indian Army to sacrifice his life while defending J&K against Pakistani raiders.
Lt Col Rai was awarded Maha Vir Chakra posthumously.
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