October 27, celebrated as Infantry Day, marks the first military operation by an Indian regiment defending against external aggression. Today, we reflect on the pivotal events of this historic day in 1947.
On Sunday, October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored soldiers and veterans on Infantry Day, commending their “indomitable spirit and courage” in a post on X, saying, “The infantry embodies the essence of strength, valour, and duty, inspiring every Indian.”
The events of October 27, 1947, are remembered when the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment arrived in Srinagar to defend Jammu and Kashmir against external aggression.
What led to Indian troops being deployed in J&K?
On October 22, Pakistan sent thousands of regular soldiers disguised as tribal fighters from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) into Jammu and Kashmir, intending to seize control of the state and integrate it with Pakistan. The J&K state forces initially resisted the attack.
On October 26, Maharaja Hari Singh of J&K signed the Instrument of Accession, making his state part of India and allowing Indian troops to be sent to counter Pakistani forces. With Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s approval, an emergency meeting was held to dispatch troops to Srinagar as Pakistani forces advanced toward the region.
Which troops were deployed on October 27?
The 1 Sikh Battalion, led by Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai, was quickly sent to Srinagar by air from Gurgaon. At the time, two of its four companies were deployed elsewhere to help manage post-independence communal tensions. The remaining two companies, along with artillery support from the 13 Field Regiment, gathered at Palam Airport in Delhi for an airlift to Srinagar.
On October 27, seven Dakota aircraft were assembled at Palam airport to carry the 1 Sikh Battalion and their equipment. Only two planes belonged to the Indian Air Force; the rest came from private airlines, including one from Biju Patnaik, who would later become the Chief Minister of Odisha. The planes took off just after sunrise, making history.
Why was the October 27 deployment crucial? Former J&K and Assam Governor Lt Gen SK Sinha, who was involved in the operation, explained that the initial plan was to send a brigade by road. However, due to poor road conditions between Pathankot and Srinagar, this was revised, opting for an airlift to secure the Srinagar airfield before Pakistani forces could reinforce and take over the Valley.
After securing the airfield, the 1 Sikh Battalion, led by Lt Col Rai, moved to Baramulla to slow the Pakistani advance toward Srinagar, enabling Indian forces to send reinforcements by air. Lt Col Rai was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery, having sacrificed his life near Baramulla in battle.
