Jammu and Kashmir: Chinar Corps celebrate 80th Raising Day in Srinagar

“General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Lt Gen DP Pandey on the occasion laid a wreath at Badami Bagh Cantonment War Memorial and reverentially remembered the heroes and their sacrifices for achieving successes in countless operations,” Lt Colonel Emron Musavi said.

Lt Gen Panday reinforced the expectations of the Nation from the Corps, in view of the extraordinary circumstances in which Chinar Corps is operating. The General also exhorted all ranks of the Chinar Corps to continue working hard towards peace stability in Kashmir.

Giving details, Lt Colonel Musavi said that Chinar Corps was raised during World War II at Barrackpore, in 1942. As part of 14th Army, the Corps participated in the Burma Campaign at Arakan during World War II. Subsequently, the Corps was shifted to Karachi.

“In Oct 1947, the Corps got tethered to Kashmir for the first time when its 161 Inf Bde was tasked to fight the invading Pakistani regulars and Kabailis. All operations during 1947-48 Indo-Pak conflict were controlled by HQ Jammu and Kashmir Force. Later, on 04 January 1955 the Corps was entrusted with the role of complete security of the State of Jammu and Kashmir at Udhampur. The Corps made commendable contributions during 1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak wars,” he said.

He said on May 1, 1972, the Northern Command Headquarters was established at Udhampur and the Chinar Corps shifted to its present location at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar. “Ever since, the Corps has been committed to the mission of ensuring the security of Kashmir region from external aggression and internal security challenges. Since 1989, when Pakistan launched its Proxy War against India, Chinar Corps has been successfully maintaining the territorial integrity of the Nation,” he said.

He said towards that end, the counter infiltration operations along LOC and counter militancy operations in the hinterland have been the mainstay. “In the last 80 years of its existence, the Corps has been conferred with four Victoria Crosses, four Military Crosses, 13 PVCs, 20 ACs and numerous other gallantry awards and citations. These honours highlight the selfless sacrifices of its valiant warriors,” he said.