Infantry Day: 75 years of historic Indian Army landing at Srinagar airfield

Infantry Day is celebrated to commemorate Indian Army's 1 Sikh Regiment protecting Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani forces 75 years ago today

Exactly 75 years ago troops of the Army's 1 Sikh Regiment had arrived at the old airfield of Srinagar, carried in Dakota aircraft, to protect Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani forces.

It was the first military operation of Independent India, a move that changed the course of the 1947-48 War.

The first of the Indian Army soldiers dispatched for the mission had landed at the dusty airfield on October 27, 1947, to repulse Pakistani forces.

This day is celebrated as Infantry Day by the Army to commemorate the historic event.

To mark the landmark occasion, the Army is hosting 'Shaurya Diwas' at the old airfield of Srinagar (Budgam airfield).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Thursday arrived at the Air Force Station in Srinagar to attend the 75th anniversary of Infantry Day.

Some of the key scenes of the historic landings are scheduled to be reenacted there to mark the landmark occasion.