Ferozepur, September 9
The Battle of Asal Uttar was one of the largest tank battles fought during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. It was fought from 08 September to 10 September 1965, when the Pakistan Army tanks and Infantry thrust was launched into Indian Territory, towards the town of Khem Karan. The Indian troops retaliated and after three days of fighting, the battle ended with the Pakistani forces being repulsed near Asal Uttar. The battle resulted in destruction and capture of around 97 Patton tanks of Pakistan Army. The battle of Asal Uttar led to the creation of Patton Nagar, which is also known as the ‘Graveyard of the Patton Tanks’ after more than a hundred tanks were either destroyed or captured here.
This battle also witnessed an act of unparalleled bravery in the modern-day war fighting displayed by CQMH Abdul Hamid, Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) of 4 GRENADIERS who was instrumental in single-handedly destroying seven enemy tanks between 07 and 09 September 1965 using his Recoilless Gun before making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In the same battle, five Infantry Battalions, two Armoured and two Artillery Regiments which had fought in the battles were awarded the Battle Honour Asal Uttar for their conspicuous bravery and courage while facing heavy odds and with 165 casualties. These Battalions and Regiments were – 4 GRENADIERS, 18 RAJPUTANA RIFLES, 1 DOGRA, 2 MAHAR, 9 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES, 9 HORSE, 3 CAVALRY, 91 MOUNTAIN REGIMENT and 40 MEDIUM REGIMENT.
The 57th Martyrdom Anniversary of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) in the battle of Asal Uttar, 1965 was organized by Agnibaan Brigade under the aegis of the Golden Arrow Division at the Shaheed Smarak near Asal Uttar village with solemnity and fervor befitting the occasion. The occasion was solemnized with conduct of wreath laying by General Officer Commanding, Golden Arrow Division, followed by guard of honour at the resting place of the brave martyr. The ceremony was conducted following the COVID protocols, concluded to the tune of ‘Last Post’ being sounded by the buglers and two minutes silence for the martyr.
The DC and SSP Tarn Taran, SDM Bhikhiwind, DIG BSF Ferozepur and locals joined the Indian Army in remembering and paying homage to the gallant heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
