Poonch Day was a fitting tribute to the unbreakable bond between the people of Poonch and the Indian Army.
Poonch:
Around 5,000 veterans participated in a grand event in Poonch on Friday to mark the 77th anniversary of the historic military link of Poonch, a border district in Jammu and Kashmir, with the rest of the country, a press release said.
The Poonch Link-Up Day is a significant event in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and commemorates the Indian Army's successful conclusion of a grueling 15-month siege of Poonch on this day in 1948 under the leadership of respected Brigadier General Pritam Singh.
Despite persistent hunger, disease and brutal attacks by the Pakistani army, the unwavering spirit of the people of Poonch and the Indian army prevailed.
On this occasion, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps, reflected on the shared legacy and said, “Today we come together to honor the courage, resilience and unbreakable bond that the Awam and Indian military have shared over the past 77 years.”
The celebrations saw enthusiastic participation in sports such as football, cricket, hockey and volleyball, with villages competing passionately with each other and displaying exceptional talent. City FC, Shahpur Cricket Club, Shyam Lal Hockey Club and Shaheed Manjeet Singh Club emerged victorious. Taekwondo, a relatively uncommon sport in the region, also featured achievements worthy of national recognition. A bicycle rally was flagged off as part of the festivities.
A Talent Hunt provided a platform for young artistes including Nazir, a visually challenged poet from Mendhar, who expressed his gratitude saying, “Performing in front of such a large audience is a dream come true. I am grateful to the Army for giving us this opportunity.” The General Officer Commanding 25 Infantry Division emphasized the importance of such events in promoting unity, saying: “This is more than a competition; It is a celebration of our shared dreams and strength in unity.”
Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva interacted with the winners and applauded their determination and sportsmanship. Besides sports, cultural events showcased the rich heritage of the district, with traditional folk songs, dances and poetry unique to Poonch, highlighting the unity and shared history of the region.
The general further noted, “These veterans have served their time in the military. Now it is our turn to serve them.” The event, held at the historic Pritam Stadium, underscored the Indian Army's continued commitment to its veterans.
A Defense spokesperson commented: “For the people of Poonch and the Indian Army, Poonch Day is more than a commemoration – it is a celebration of a living, breathing relationship. The district has been buzzing with activity over the past month, culminating in a series of lively events that reflect the festive spirit of the community.”
Poonch Day 2024 was a fitting tribute to the resilience, courage and unbreakable bond between the people of Poonch and the Indian Army. It celebrated a shared legacy that continues to protect this vital border district and its community, the release said.
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