JAMMU: Northern Command Army Commander Lt Gen YK Joshi on Saturday interacted with around 300 army veterans, including war heroes at an ex-servicemen rally at Mamun Military Station, Pathankot district of Punjab. Jammu-based Defence Spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand here said that in continuation of long practice, an Ex-servicemen rally was organised for the Veteran soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab at Mamun Military Station, Pathankot. Lieutenant General Joshi presided over the event in which over 300 veterans including war heroes belonging to 13th The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles took part. Most of these war heroes had served under the leadership of the Army Commander, who was the Commanding Officer of 13th Battalion The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles during the Kargil War. During the Kargil War, under his leadership, the battalion launched four attacks; with the most successful being on Point 4875 (now called Batra Top after Captain Vikram Batra, who made the supreme sacrifice and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra). The battalion was also conferred with the honour of the ‘Bravest of The Brave’ and was awarded many gallantry awards during the Kargil War. The prominent awards being two Param Vir Chakras (Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar), eight Vir Chakras (including the Army Commander) and 14 Sena Medals. Many moments from those glorious days were relived and stories retold amongst them, said the spokesman. The Army Commander interacted with all the veterans and commended their continued contribution to the nation building process. He expressed gratitude and hailed their glorious service rendered to the Nation. He also applauded their grit with which they overcame every obstacle to keep the Indian flag flying high. He assured all of them that they are and will always remain inseparable members of the extended Indian Army family. Gen Joshi urged them to continue to strive and enable the Indian Army to fulfill its primary responsibility of safeguarding the Nation from internal and external threats. Additionally, awareness workshops on new policies and various schemes available to the Indian Army veterans were also organised (as promulgated through the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans).
