The locals as well as Army on Friday celebrated the 77th anniversary of the historic military link-up of Poonch with the rest of the country. Poonch Link-Up Day is a major historical event in the annals of Jammu and Kashmir….

Our Correspondent

General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva honouring a veteran at the 77th Link-Up anniversary of Poonch on Friday. ANI

The locals as well as Army on Friday celebrated the 77th anniversary of the historic military link-up of Poonch with the rest of the country. Poonch Link-Up Day is a major historical event in the annals of Jammu and Kashmir. This day commemorates the successful military operation in 1948 during which the Indian Army linked up with the besieged Poonch after months of isolation during the first Indo-Pak war.

Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps, remarked, “Today, we come together to honour the courage, resilience and unbreakable bond that the Awam and Indian Army have shared over the past 77 years.”

The siege of Poonch is unparalleled in the annals of military warfare. Lasting over a year, it stands out for the resilience demonstrated and the remarkable fact that no territory exchanged hands—a testament to the unwavering resolve of both the Indian Army and the people of Poonch.

On this day in 1948, the Army, under Brigadier Pritam Singh, successfully ended a gruelling 15-month siege of the border town of Poonch. Despite facing hunger, disease, and relentless attempts by the Pakistani Army to overrun the town, the indomitable spirit of the local residents and the Army prevailed.

Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO Defence, said, “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 abuzz with activity for the past month, culminating in a series of vibrant events that reflect the festive spirit of the community”.

 The celebrations were marked by enthusiastic participation in sports like football, cricket, hockey and volleyball. Villages competed passionately, showcasing remarkable talent and resilience. A bike rally was also flagged off on the occasion.

Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva interacted with the winners, lauding their determination and sportsmanship. In addition to sports, cultural events highlighted the district’s rich heritage, featuring traditional folk songs, dances, and poetry unique to Poonch, underscoring the unity and shared history of the region.

An ex-servicemen’s rally was a key highlight of the celebrations, with over 5,000 veterans in attendance. The local Army unit worked over six months to resolve pension anomalies, disbursing arrears of nearly Rs 26 lakh. New CSD and ECHS cards, scholarships, marriage grants and mobility equipment for disabled veterans were also distributed, thanks to partnerships with organizations like the War Wounded Foundation.