The Battle of Basantar was a decisive engagement fought during the 1971 Indo–Pakistan War in the Shakargarh Bulge region near the Basantar River. Indian forces crossed heavily mined areas, repelled repeated Pakistani armoured counterattacks and destroyed a large number of Patton tanks. The battle protected the vital Jammu–Pathankot axis and prevented Pakistan from threatening India’s land link to Jammu and Kashmir. It became one of the largest tank battles after World War II and highlighted exceptional bravery, especially that of 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal of the Poona Horse, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Click to View MoreThe Battle of Rezang La (18 November 1962) was a heroic last stand by 120 Indian soldiers, mostly from the Ahir community, of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, against a much larger Chinese force in Ladakh. Led by Major Shaitan Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the defenders fought “to the last man and the last bullet,” protecting the strategic Chushul airbase and preventing further Chinese advance. Out of 120 soldiers, 114 were martyred, while Chinese casualties were much higher. The battle is remembered for its bravery, sacrifice, and patriotic spirit, with memorials like Ahir Dhamhonoring the soldiers’ legacy.
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