J&K Rifles, First Battalion Of J&K Celebrates 150th Raising

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Jammu: First Battalion, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (RAGHUPARTAP) celebrated it’s 150th Raising Day on 13th April 2022 at Dalhousie Military Station.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Army Commander Northern Command along with many senior officers, Veterans, Gallantry Awardees and Veer Naris alongwith their family members graced the mega celebrations from 13-15 Apr 2022.

The Battalion was raised by his Highness Maharaja Ranbir Singh Ji on 13 Apr 1873 at Satwari Lines in Jammu. The battalion has the unique destination of participating in both the World Wars always under the leadership of Indian Origin Officers.

Raghupartap’s gallant contribution in various wars around the world was recognised with award of five battle honours, Hunza and Nagar (1891-92), Megiddo (1914-18), Nablus (1914-18), Palestine (1914-18) and 3rd Afghan War (1919-20). Post-Independence, during 1947-48, the battalion earned the title of ‘Saviours of Poonch’ for valiant action in Battle of Poonch and was awarded Battle Honour of Poonch and Theatre Honour of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Raghupartap’s gallant action in the Battle of Syamganj was pivotal in the liberation of Bangladesh and the battalion was recognised with the Battle Honour of Syamganj and Theatre Honour of East Pakistan.

The Battalion thereafter has proved its mettle in various low Intensity conflict operations in J&K and North East.

The sesquicentennial jubilee celebrated with full military traditions, grandeur and fervor. The mega event was marked with an attendance of over 600 guests including Veterans, Gallantry Awardees and Veer Naris alongwith their family members.

The event was inaugurated with a solemn wreath laying ceremony to pay homage to the brave hearts of the unit who have made supreme sacrifice for the nation. As a mark of respect and gratitude, Veterans, War Heroes and Veer Naris of the battalion were felicitated for their exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice for the ‘naam’ of the Paltan.

The celebration provided a singular platform for building camaraderie and fostering the bond of brotherhood between our Veterans, War Heroes, Veer Naris and the present generation of Officers, JCOs, soldiers and families.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi awarded Northern Army Commander Commendation Cards to soldiers for their exemplary contributions to the organisation.

On this momentous occasion, all ranks of Raghupartap re-dedicated themselves to abide by the motto of the regiment, ‘Prashasta Ranveerta’ which means ‘Valour in Battle is Praiseworthy’.