Mathura: Lt General Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Strike 1 and all ranks of Mathura garrison paid homage to the brave soldiers of Strike 1, who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War against Pakistan, at the war memorial here.
“Basantar Day is celebrated to commemorate the heroic deeds of our soldiers who fought gallantly in the Battle of Basantar, during 1971 war,” Defence PRO Gargi Mullick Sinha said.
The day is known from the famous Battle of Basantar, which took place in 1971 in Shakargarh Bulge, Pakistan,” she said.
The battle of Basantar was one of the greatest tank battle, ever fought by the elite Indian Tank Regiments – 17 Horse and 4 Horse, who destroyed 46 of enemy’s patton tanks.
According to the defence PRO, while 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal of 17 Horse was awarded Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) for his heroic actions during the battle, then Major Hoshiar Singh of 3 Grenadiers was awarded Param Vir Chakra for his exemplary courage and leadership in ensuring that enemy’s nefarious design were defeated thoroughly.
The Yodhas of Strike 1 stood in reverence to honour the martyrs and rededicate themselves to uphold the honour of the nation, on this glorious day.
PTI
