Summary:
Srinagar, Nov 7 (PTI) The Army on Sunday conducted a unique light and sound show to re-enact the historic "Battle of Shalateng" – the most decisive battle of the first Indo-Pak war of 1947 in the wake of Pakistani raids in the Kashmir valley.
“As part of celebration for "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" and to commemorate the historic victory of the Indian Armed forces in its first war after independence, Chinar Corps conducted a unique light and sound show to re-enact the historic "Battle of Shalateng",” Srinagar-based Defence spokesman Colonel Emron Musavi said.
He said the "Battle of Shalateng" was the most decisive battle of the first Indo-Pak War 1947 and had a long-standing impact on the history and geography of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It literally changed the face of the war and saved Srinagar from the onslaught of the Pakistan Army and the barbarian hordes, supported by Pakistan Army,” he said.
The well-coordinated and executed operations by 1 SIKH, 1 KUMAON, 4 KUMAON and a Squadron from 7 Light Cavalry, supported by the Indian Air Force (IAF) strikes, changed the course of the war, wherein Kashmiri citizens and soldiers of Indian Army fought valiantly alongside to evict Pakistan forces, driving them out of most of Jammu and Kashmir till ceasefire on January 5, 1949, the Defence spokesman said.
Colonel Musavi said the re-enactment of the "Battle of Shalateng" events in the form of light and sound extravaganza was a befitting tribute to pay obeisance to the brave soldiers and the invaluable contribution of the people of J&K who fought alongside the Indian Armed Forces to ultimately defeat Pakistan Army that had “unleashed plunder, loot, rape and destruction of property and houses of Kashmiris, their most deplorable act was the mass rape of local women”.