Tribune News Service,Srinagar, January 12

The centenary ofthe Srinagar-based Chinar Corps was observed here today. A defence spokesman said keeping in mind the sombre atmosphere due to state mourning following the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the event was restricted to a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial.“The wreath-laying ceremony was organised to pay tribute to allmartyrs who made the supreme sacrifice while ensuring safety and security of the country,” the spokesman said. The General Officer Commanding of Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Satish Dua, addressed Army men at Badami Bagh Cantonment.The Chinar Corps was raised at Port Saidin Egypt on January 12, 1916, under Lt Gen Sir Henry Home. The corps moved to France and fought valiantly during World War I from 1916 to 1918, after which the corps was demobilised.During World War II, the corps was raised again on March 20, 1942. It made a deep impact by its heroic performance as part of Allied forces during the Burma campaign. After the war, the corps was demobilised once again.The spokesman said the history of Chinar Corps was synonymous with the history of Jammu and Kashmir due to close linkage with post-Independence events in the state.“In the last 100 years, personnel of the Chinar Corps have served with distinction in all theatres, winning 4,303 individual awards in 404 unit awards,” the spokesman said.Lt Gen Satish Dua released “First Day Cover”, a special commemorative stamp and a book on gallantry and distinguished service awardees of the Chinar Corps.