“Art.370 proceedings before the constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India, without them. Let us pay homage to the soldiers who gave their all-blood, sweat,tears and lives , so that we may have this constitutional feast today.”
By Narasimhan Vijayaraghavan
Having read the eyewitness accounts of the Pakistani Pathans, surreptitiously invading Kashmir then under Maharaja Hari Singh, and India’s decision to enter the war, it is time to yield space to our armed forces. The valor and bravery of our armed forces, despite the short notice, is written in golden words. There would have been no In Re: Art.370 proceedings before the constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India, without them. Let us pay homage to the soldiers who gave their all-blood, sweat,tears and lives , so that we may have this constitutional feast today. Bravo!
The 1947-48 Indo-Pak War, also known as the First Kashmir War, was a critical chapter in Indian history. It marked the courage and determination of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the invading Pakistani forces from the Kashmir region. We selectively recount k the bravery of specific soldiers and the anecdotes that exemplify their extraordinary acts of heroism during the war. The choice is mine and mine alone.
A. Major Somnath Sharma:
One of the most prominent heroes of the war was Major Somnath Sharma, who led the charge against the Pakistani invaders in the Battle of Badgam. On 3rd November 1947, Sharma’s company faced overwhelming enemy numbers. Despite being severely outnumbered, he urged his troops to hold their ground and launched counter-attacks to stem the tide of the invasion. In the face of mortal danger, Major Sharma continued to motivate his men until he was fatally shot. His unwavering leadership and sacrifice earned him the distinction of being India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award in the country.
B. Naik Jadunath Singh:
In the Battle of Naushera, Naik Jadunath Singh’s exceptional courage and selflessness became a source of inspiration for his fellow soldiers. Singh and his comrades held a crucial post against constant enemy assaults. Despite sustaining severe injuries, he refused medical attention, choosing to fight on. With indomitable spirit, he continued firing at the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. His bravery and determination in the face of insurmountable odds were recognized with the posthumous award of the Param Vir Chakra.
C. Lance Naik Karam Singh:
During the Battle of Tithwal, Lance Naik Karam Singh demonstrated extraordinary bravery. As the enemy launched a fierce assault, Singh single-handedly held the forward post, inflicting heavy casualties upon the Pakistani forces. Despite being severely injured, he refused to abandon his position and continued to fight with unmatched determination. His gallantry and steadfastness contributed significantly to India’s victory, earning him the Param Vir Chakra.
D. Havildar Lachhiman Gurung:
In the Battle of Saragarhi, Havildar Lachhiman Gurung’s actions were nothing short of extraordinary. On 13th November 1947, Gurung’s company faced a determined Pakistani assault. As his comrades fell, he held his position and continued firing, single-handedly defending the post. He was eventually hit by enemy fire and severely wounded but remained conscious and resolute. With his last breath, Gurung managed to detonate a grenade, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. His unwavering courage posthumously earned him the Param Vir Chakra.
The bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers during the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. Some of these soldiers were awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military award for gallantry. Others were awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest military award for gallantry.
These soldiers fought in some of the most difficult terrain in the world, and they faced overwhelming odds. However, they never gave up, and they eventually emerged victorious. Their bravery and sacrifice helped to ensure the integrity of the Indian state, and they will be remembered as heroes for generations to come.
But for our beloved armed forces, there may have been no Art.370 and no constitutional challenge as we now have!
( Author of Constitution & its Making/Working,OakBridge, is practicing advocate in the Madras High Court)