Shyam Sood
Rajouri, Apr 13: In the presence of senior Army, Civil Administration officers/officials & prominent citizens of Rajouri town, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, GOC White Knight Corps on Wednesday paid floral tributes to the martyrs of Rajouri on the occasion of Rajouri Day celebrations at Army’s Advance Landing Ground (ALG)
Maj Gen Rajeev Puri, GOC, Ace of Spades Division; Brig NV Nanjundeshwara, Station Commander, Rajouri; D.S Sandhu, DIG BSF; Vikas Kundal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri as well as other civil and military officials also paid tributes to the martyrs and the brave citizens of Rajouri who had sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Rajouri district from the clutches of treacherous Pakistani marauders.
The event progressed with all religions prayer meet followed by a cultural program which consisted of a colourful display of ethnic kaleidoscope by the children of various schools.
The mesmerizing performances by budding young children were appreciated by the gathering with loud cheers and tumultuous clapping.
The young performers were felicitated by Mrs Reema Puri, Convenor FWO, Ace of Spades Division.
The splendid performances by the renowned and reputed Army Symphony, Police, BSF Bands kept the audience captivated.
The performers were felicitated by Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, GOC White Knight Corps.
Display of martial arts, equipment display, equestrian show, a para motor show and a grand military dog show also mesmerised the audience.
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh addressed the gathering and motivated all to join hands for a meaningful contribution in the overall development in the region. He fully assured of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the region and extending all possible cooperation to the populace at all times.
Inauguration of Rajouri Day Festivities ‘Garv Ka Parv’ started from 7 April. The events conducted include an ex-serviceman rally & ‘veer nari sammelan’, sarpanch conclave, visit to Hall of Fame for the students, painting competition, bike rally over 1000 kms, ‘Run for Rajouri’ mini-marathon, equipment display, women empowerment conclave, kite festival, musical evening etc.
When the country was celebrating the first Diwali in Independent in 1947, the Pakistani intruders entered the Rajouri town and started brutalities on the innocent people including women & children.
On 12 April 1948, troops of 1 Kumaon along with Tanks of Central India Horse (CIH) and 5 and 30 Mountain Batteries advanced from Chingus for liberation of Rajouri.
On 13 Apr 1948, Rajouri was liberated from the intruders by the heroic action of our armed forces assisted by the brave citizens of Rajouri.
Rajouri Day is celebrated every year to pay homage to the military and civilian brave hearts who laid down their lives for liberation of Rajouri.
On this day, homage is paid to the heroism of 2nd Lt RR Rane of 37 Assault Field Company who was bravely responsible for clearing the road from Naushera to Rajouri.
LT GEN MANJINDER SINGH INTERACTION WITH SCRIBES
When asked about the change of guard in Pakistan and its impact on IB/LoC Lt Gen Manjinder Singh said: “It is their internal matter & I will not comment on it. However, Indian Army is always alert and keeps vigil on LoC. TheArmy is fully in control of ensuring that no infiltration takes place from LoC. We don’t get impacted by the internal situation in Pakistan”.
When asked about recent incidents of explosions in Kotranka (Rajouri) & Udhampur Lt Gen Manjinder said that whenever & wherever peace is restored it is not digested by the enemy and they attempt to disturb it.
He termed such sporadic grenade attacks as cowardly acts & these do not require courage.
“But if we collectively make efforts to restore peace and foil such nefarious designs, these inimical elements will not succeed in their plans. Misguided youths can be brought back to join mainstream” said Lt Gen Manjinder Singh.
“Pakistan still trying to disturb the peace in J&K and may activate training camps across the LoC. We are on alert & monitoring the situation. Number of terrorists in these camps varies and as of now there is no threat of large number of terrorists assembling in launching pads and terror camps.
On Drone threat (from across IB/LoC), Lt GenManjinder Singh said: “It’s a challenge but most of the drone dropping incidents was reported along IB where BSF is actively countering them effectively”.
He refused to comment on threat on LoC from China because it doesn’t fall under his jurisdiction (White Knight Corps).
