Poonch, November 22 (IANS). The Indian Army celebrated the 77th Poonch Link Up Day with great pomp on Friday. On this occasion, Commander of Poonch Brigade of Indian Army Mudit Mahajan, GOC of 25 Infantry Division Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, SSP Poonch Shafiqat Butt and DC Poonch Vikas Kundal paid tribute to the martyrs at the Naman Sthal and offered floral tributes. After this the GOC also met the ex-servicemen.
Poonch Link Up Day is celebrated every year on 22 November. This is a historic day for the Indian Army, this day reminds of the time when Poonch region was liberated from the occupation of Pakistani Army and tribals on 22 November 1948. Brave soldiers of the Indian Army sacrificed their lives in a tough struggle that lasted for 15 months, thereby liberating the Poonch region. This day also has special significance because India achieved independence on 15 August 1947, but had to face a long struggle to free Poonch from the occupation of Pakistan.
Speaking to IANS, retired Honorary Captain and Ashok Chakra winner Mohammad Sadiq said that this is the day when Poonch got independence on 22 November 1948 after India got independence from the British on 15 August 1947. We give it more importance than the independence the country got in 1947. We want people to remember the story of Poonch, because Poonch was never a slave even during the British times. As long as we remain alive, we will live with pride, we do not accept slavery from anyone.
When questioned on the nefarious activities being done by Pakistan, he described Pakistan as a child and said that it behaves like a child. He says like a small child that we will do this, we will do that. He will no longer desist from doing small acts. Now he has nothing left, he has no flour, he has run out of grains. Now he desperately wants to get something from someone.
–IANS
PSK/KR
