Valour, nostalgia mark Ex-servicemen rally at Baramulla

Baramulla, Jan 14: The ex-serviceman rally organised by the Army on Tuesday was a mix of emotions and the affection shown by the veterans during the proceedings of the ceremony.

During the proceedings of the ex-servicemen rally organised by the Dagger division Baramulla, the veterans who had come to attend the function were seen emotionally involved in the program.

One of the veterans, Ali Muhammad Wani, 78, from Tangmarg recalled his service days and said he was part of the Kargil War and has served in Kanyakumari, Mizoram, Siachen, Darjeeling, Manipur besides different places in Kashmir.

"I retired in 1986 and I still remember the moment when we were fighting a war and captured 13620. When we are invited to such functions it takes us back to our days in Uniform," Wani said.

Besides Wani, other veterans also shared the same feelings while being part of the veteran day.

"We are thankful to the Indian Army for always considering us as part of their family. They run door-to-door campaigns and reach the homes of every ex-servicemen. We feel that somebody cares for us," another Ex-Armyman said.

He said that the Indian Army has proved that an Army man does not retire. "He is only re-attired. Only his uniform changes. Otherwise, he is always ready to serve the country at any time. The only thing is that he cannot wear a uniform," he said.

The function was attended by Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava, GOC Chinar Corps and Major General PS Punia GOC Dagger Division.

“Pakistan tried to misguide the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir but the country will not forget the role played by the Muslims in safeguarding the country from nefarious designs of Pakistan,” the Army officer said.

Besides Baramulla, the Armed Forces Veterans Day was organised under the aegis of Chinar Corps at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Srinagar as well.

Major General Dhananjay Joshi GoC Victor Force along with Brig Ved Beniwal, Commandant, JAKLI Regiment centre and other senior Officials, Veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris and Gallantry awardees attended the function.