Golden Katar honors heroes who captured large enemy territory in 1965 war

Ahmedabad

The Ahmedabad based Golden Katar Division of the Indian Army which has the unique distinction of advancing 40 kms inside enemy territory opposite Barmer sector and capturing an important town of Parbat Ali in Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, organized a felicitation ceremony to honour the heroes of war here today.

Defense Spokesperson Wing Commander Abhishek Matiman said that the felicitation ceremony was attended by Veer Naaris and the valiant veterans. Before the felicitation ceremony, a brief presentation on 1965 operations of the Indian Army, including the role of Golden Katar Division, Parbat Ali Brigade and 2/1 Gorkha Rifles was shown followed by sharing of experiences by the veterans who reminisced about their glory days recalling tales of valour and heroism.

In the end, the Commanding Officer 2/1 Gorkha Rifles addressed the veterans, appreciating their efforts, dedication and commitment when it was most needed. A short documentary giving an overall view of 1965 operations and display of captured equipment/ weapons were the highlights of the event.

A photo exhibition, group photograph was also organized.

Mr. Matiman said that the Indian Army and the entire nation was celebrating the saga of glory and heroism during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. This war started, following Pakistan’s ‘Operation Gibraltar’ which was designed to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir.

India retaliated by launching a full- scale military attack on West Pakistan.

The seventeen day war witnessed the largest tank battle since World War II.

The War culminated with India being triumphant which includes numerous tactical victories including the capture of Gadra city by the Golden Katar Division, the town of Parbat Ali by Parbat Ali Brigade and the capture of Bajra Garhi and Rasulpur by the Second Battalion the First Gorkha Rifles.

The war concluded with a Tashkent declaration on September 23, 1965.

This year marks the Golden Jubilee of Indo- Pak war of 1965 in which most of the action was witnessed along the western borders.

The Defense spokesperson said that the1965 war is a corner stone in the annals of Indian Military History.

For this war, Indian Army men were awarded with 2 Param Veer Chakars, 38 Maha Veer Chakras and 175 Vir Chakras for their exemplary acts of supreme sacrifice, courage and valour.