Western Command celebrates Raising Day with tribute to martyrs

CHANDIGARH: The Western Command of the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Raising Day on Sunday. To mark the occasion, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and former Army Commanders paid tribute to martyrs of the Command by laying a wreath at the Veer Smriti War Memorial, Chandimandir.
Eleven previous Army Commanders came together and shared their wisdom on the occasion.They also offered suggestions for capability development. Interacting with the soldiers and staff, previous Army Commanders cemented old bonds and shared anecdotes from the past.
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command greeted all ranks and families of Western Command and stressed on the need to uphold the virtues of “Naam, Namak, Nishan.”
He said that the Western Command remained unwavering in its resolve to safeguard the Western Front and achieve a decisive victory in any future conflict.
He added that the Command was also actively involved in realising the dream of “Sashakt Bharat” with its contribution in nation building.
Raised in September 1947, the Command played a crucial role during the heartrending migration which followed Partition. The headquarter of Delhi and East Punjab Command was raised in Delhi and made responsible for the defence of Delhi and East Punjab.
Given the situation during partition, it was decided to have a mobile HQ on a train, which has now been displayed at a museum in Chandimandir.
The Command was renamed the Western Command on January 20, 1948 and was made directly responsible for controlling operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
Before Northern Command came into being, the Western Command was responsible for the Northern borders of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Over time, solidiers of the Command earned 11 Param Vir Chakras, an Ashok Chakra and 143 Maha Vir Chakras. For the future, the Command is focusing on modernisation so that the force remains well equipped to face current and emerging challenges. New technologies are being leveraged, training standards enhanced and synergy with other arms and services is being achieved.