Asal Uttar Day celebrated

Jalandhar, September 9, 2012:   The Battle of Asal Uttar was one of the largest tank battles fought during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 from 08 Sep  to 10 Sep 1965, when the Pakistan Army thrust its tanks and infantry into Indian territory, capturing the Indian town of Khem Karan five kms from the International Border.  Indian troops thereafter launched a counter attack and the advancing Pakistan troops and tanks were ambushed. 

100 Pakistani tanks were either destroyed or captured.  The battle ended in a decisive Indian victory. The battle also witnessed the personal bravery of Indian soldiers. CQMH Abdul Hamid was honoured with the Paramvir Chakra, India’s highest military award, for destroying three enemy tanks with a recoilless gun.  Brig Thomas Theograi, Indian Brigade Commander at Asal Uttar played crucial role in Indian victory over Pakistan’s First Armoured Division which was repulsed despite a 7 to 1 numerical and technical superiority.

The 47th Martyr Anniversary of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Paramvir Chakra awardee (Posthumous) was organized by Gurki Brigade under the aegis of the Golden Arrow Division at the Abdul Hamid Memorial near Asal Uttar village with solemnity and fervor, today.  The occasion was solemnized with conduct of memorial service, including wreath laying ceremony and Guard of honour at the resting place of the brave martyr.  The civil dignitaries also laid wreaths.  The ceremony concluded to the tune of Last Post being sounded by buglers and a two-minute silence for the martyr. 

In addition to this, a medical camp was also organized at Asal Uttar village.

Honouring the brave is an old army tradition which is also taken as an opportunity to draw inspiration from sacrifices of various heroes.

On this day, the Army leads the nation in saluting these gallant heroes.