RAJOURI DAY CELEBRATION: RAJOURI PAYS HOMAGE TO MARTYRS

RAJOURI: To pay homage to the brave martyrs who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri valley, the Ace of Spades Division and civil administration jointly celebrated Rajouri Day on 14^th Apr 2012 at the Gujjar Chowk war memorial.

It was on 12 Apr 1948 that troops of 1 KUMAON Battalion along with tanks of Central India House and an Artillery Battery advanced from Chingus for liberation of Rajouri, which was under seize of intruders for a very long time.  On 13 Apr 1948, Rajouri was liberated from the intruders.  Rajouri Day is celebrated every year to pay homage to brave martyrs who laid down their lives for liberation of Rajouri.

The ceremony started with wreath laying in honour of brave martyrs by the Chief Guest Lt Gen AS Nandal, AVSM, SM, GOC White Knight Corps, Maj Gen KH Singh, YSM, GOC Ace of Spades Division, Brigadier TK Chawla, Commander, Ace of Spades Artillery Brigade, DIG Police, District Commissioner and eminent leaders. Prayers by all religious heads followed by patriotic songs by school children and speeches by civil dignitaries were carried out subsequently to the wreath laying ceremony. Chief Guest Lt Gen AS Nandal, AVSM, SM GOC White Knight Corps presented gifts to students who had won of the Painting & Essay Writing Competition on 11 Apr 2012 at Valley View Army Public School.

General Nandal Chief Guest also inaugurated photo exhibition at ALG and also interacted with eminent citizens. At about 10.30 AM a Peace March by the school children arrived at ALG and the Chief Guest presented gifts to the participants. 

General Nandal, in his address highlighted the importance of the day and exhorted for a similar display of patriotism even today.  He stressed on the Army’s commitment towards creating long lasting peace in the state. The Chief Guest highlighted  various ongoing projects by the Army through ‘Sadbhavana’ in Rajouri and adjoining areas. He assured that the Army in collaboration with the civil administration will continue to strive for the development of the area.