The victory at Basantar exemplified the sterling character of Lt Gen Hanut Singh. His regiment, Poona Horse, rose to the moment under his command and accomplished the mission.
Akhnoor town is about 30 km from Jammu & 50 km from Pakistan’s Sialkot. The aerial distance is even shorter, making it vulnerable to potential acts of aggression from across the border.
The surrender painting was tangible and factual — a depiction of the armed forces’ finest hour. The replacement painting is steeped in religiosity, mythology, and a feudal past.
In Episode 1574, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at the changing face of warfare and how Indian society is still fighting in its mind the wars of the past.
In Episode 1573, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at IAF’s role in supporting ground forces & weakening Pakistan Air Force, which was positioned in the west to delay Indian advance during the war.
At Chief’s annexe in South Block, the painting served as an enduring backdrop to official meet-ups and photographs with dignitaries who visited Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Meant as message to China, painting juxtaposes Hindu iconography with modern military paraphernalia. Veterans slam removal of painting showing 1971 Pakistani surrender.
Experts say its unlikely there was scope for concessions at time of 1971 India-Pakistan war, add there’s no historical precedent for use of PoWs as bargaining chip for capturing enemy land.
Born in Pakistan, Labhshankar Maheshwari is said to have come to India in 1999 with his wife, seeking fertility treatment in the hope of having a child. He got Indian citizenship in 2005.
Initial talks held on the possibility of India entering the programme that was started in 2017 between France, Germany and Spain to ensure European sovereignty in defence and security.
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