According to a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mudasir Ashraf, a recipient of President of India’s ‘Bravery Award’ for his act of bravery in Mi-17 crash on 27/2/2019 at Budgam was also felicitated for being a symbol of courage. 

 

The statement reads that a painting competition for students of Kendriya Vidyalaya on theme of Valour was organised and the three best of these were awarded with first, second and third prize respectively. 

 

Commandant 28 Bn, Jitendra Kumar on this occasion exchanged his thoughts with troops, visiting students and awardees. 

 

He said that the inspirational feats of bravery achieved by the valiant soldiers and individuals are the most cherished bequest of the society and should always be celebrated with fervour and fond remembrance. 

 

The CRPF celebrates April 9 as Valour Day to commemorate the defence of the Sardar post in the Rann of Kutch at the onset of the Indo-Pak War of 1965. In the intervening night of 8 and 9 April 1965, about 3500 men of 51st Infantry of Pakistani Army invaded India at Sardar Post.

 

The Pakistani Army comprised 18 Punjab battalion, 8 Frontier Rifles and 6 Baluch battalion. Their mission was to capture the Indian territory defended by the post. The post was guarded by two battalions of CRPF - roughly 150 soldiers. 

 

Compared to the Pakistani Army, the CRPF soldiers were no match in terms of arsenal. Additionally, the terrain was disadvantageous for the defending forces.

 

A fight ensued in which the Pakistani Army made three attempts to overrun the post. But the CRPF soldiers thwarted every attempt with a brilliant display of courage and strategic intelligence.

 

The battle lasted for 12 hours. In the end, the Pakistani Army fled the battleground leaving behind 34 of their own dead, which included two officers. Another four soldiers were captured alive.

 

On that night, the CRPF lost six of its brave soldiers. Ever since, the day is celebrated by the CRPF as Valour Day. (KNS)