Indian Army celebrates 70th Infantry Day, PM Modi extends greetings

The Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the Infantry Day on Friday by organising a solemn but impressive wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in Chandimandir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the Indian Army on the 70th Infantry Day.

Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh, Western Army Commander laid the wreath. He along with senior veterans and serving officers of the Infantry paid homage to personnel who laid down their lives defending the nation.

I bow to all infantry martyrs, who devoted their lives to the nation. Their heroic sacrifices will be remembered for generations to come.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2017

The day is celebrated on October 27 every year, as it is on this day in 1947 the first Indian soldier (First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment) landed at Srinagar airport to defend the Kashmir Valley against the onslaught of Pakistani raiders.

Greetings to all infantrymen on Infantry Day. We are proud of our infantry’s exceptional courage & dedicated service to our nation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2017

#ArmyCdrNC compliments, all soldiers on the occasion of 70th #InfantryDay for displaying high degree of steadfastness & professionalism. pic.twitter.com/ysOtrsm3J7

— NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) October 27, 2017

Maj. Somnath Sharma of the Kumaon regiment won the first Paramvir Chakra (posthumously) during these operations in the battle of Badgam.“Ever since, the Infantry has stood tall against all adversities and played a stellar role in all operations post-independence including counterinsurgency and internal security duties,” a defence spokesman said.

The day was celebrated across the Northern Command at Udhampur. Lieutenant General D Anbu, GOC-IN-C Northern Command, complimented all ranks of the infantry for their devotion to duty.

A wreath-laying ceremony was organised at various locations of the White Knight Corps. Forty ex-servicemen from Palma and nearby areas also attended the function at Romeo Force War Memorial.Major General Raj Sinha, General Officer Commanding Romeo Force paid tributes and laid a wreath.