Army pays tribute to fallen heroes of Chhamb battle

The army today paid rich tributes to the war heroes of the Chhamb battle of 1971, who laid their lives while defending the border of the country against the enemy aggression.
The war heroes of Chhamb Battle of 1971 were remembered and paid obeisance in a simple yet befitting ceremony today at Pannu War Memorial, Akhnoor under Crossed Sword Division, a defence spokesman said.
A contingent of 5 Sikh comprising of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks were also present to pay homage to the heroes of their unit and the Nation, he said.
During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, a Company of 5 Sikh was entrusted with the vital role of defending important approaches to Chhamb Sector under the leadership of Major D S Pannu, he said.

"Over a period of four days, the brave soldiers successfully repulsed as many as 14 attacks launched by the enemy, thereby successfully foiling the designs of the Pakistan Army in the sector," he said.
He said that the brave soldiers stood fast till the end despite all odds and inflicted prohibitive losses on the enemy.

"Many of them, including Major DS Pannu, the Company Commander sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in the finest traditions of the Indian Army," he said.
He said that on this solemn occasion, Major General Kulpreet Singh, GOC of the Crossed Swords Division, Col NJS Pannu (Retd), brother of late Major DS Pannu and other serving and retired soldiers laid wreath at the Pannu War Memorial.

"Kirtan, Ardas and Guru ka Langar were also organised at the memorial, which is located on the outskirts of Akhnoor on Akhnoor-Jourian road. A number of civil administration officials and locals also attended the ceremony and paid their respects to the brave sons of the nation," the spokesman said.