STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, Director Sainik Welfare Department J&K, Brig Pankaj Chib (Retd) paid homage at the War Memorial of 22 PUNJAB, commemorating the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pak War at ChakAmru.
The visit coincided with the unit’s observance of “ChakAmru Day”- making the event especially poignant.
The Director paid floral tributes at the memorial in the presence of Ex-Servicemen and locals of the area. A contingent from 22 PUNJAB also arrived to present a Guard of Honour, honouring the martyrs of the operation. It may be recalled that during the 1971 operations, 22 PUNJAB valiantly fought and decisively vanquished the 23 Frontier Force Regiment.
After the wreath-laying, the Director addressed the gathering, narrated a brief account of the battle of ChakAmru, and highlighted its strategic significance in the 1971 operations. He emphasised the remarkable courage, grit, and sacrifice displayed by the soldiers of 22 PUNJAB and underscored how such memories inspire future generations of armed forces personnel.
Speaking to the veterans from the surrounding areas, Brig Pankaj Chib called upon the community to remain committed to the nation-building vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”. He urged them to contribute through discipline, leadership and community service-qualities deeply rooted in the ethos of the armed forces.
SDM Hiranagar also attended the ceremony and interacted with veterans. The event witnessed heartfelt participation from serving soldiers, retired personnel and local residents, reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and the community.
Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually to honour the sacrifices of soldiers in the defence of the nation and to support the welfare of Ex-Servicemen and their families.