Infantry Day is annually observed across India on October 27th to remember the first military event of Independent India that took place on 27th October 1947 against the Pakistan invaders in the Kashmir valley.
- The day also remembers and honours the sacrifices of the infantry soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The 27th October 2021 marks the observance of the 75th Infantry Day.
Background:
i.On 22nd October 1947, Pakistan intruders entered Jammu & Kashmir to occupy the state and integrate it into Pakistan.
ii.On 26th October when the Maharaja of J&K signed the instrument of accession with India, the government of India sent in the troops.
iii.On 27th October 1947, The first battalion of the Sikh regiment commanded by Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai and the 13 Kumaon landed at the Srinagar airbase and fought against the Pakistani invaders and won the battle.
Events:
i.As a part of the commemoration of the 75th Infantry Day, the Indian Air Force(IAF) recalled the history of vintage aircraft ‘Parashurama’, one of the refurbished Dakotas, which played a major role in transporting the troops during the battle against Pakistan in 1947.
- ‘Parashurama’ was one of the Dakotas VP905 used in sustained air operations in support of Indian Army and civil efforts was refurbished and later gifted to IAF.
ii.Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, along with Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane, paid homage to the martyrs at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
