western-command-honours-martyrs-on-79th-raising-day

The Army’s Western Command on Monday marked its 79th Raising Day at Chandimandir, coinciding with 60 years of the victory in the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

 

According to an official statement, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, congratulated all ranks for their dedication and outstanding performance. He highlighted their role in Operation Sindoor and their efforts during recent flood relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.

 

He urged the troops to continue upholding the Army’s finest traditions of courage and remain committed to serving the nation.

To mark the occasion, Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Western Command, laid a wreath at the Veer Smriti War Memorial on behalf of the GOC-in-C. The solemn tribute honoured the supreme sacrifice of soldiers who laid down their lives in the nation’s service. Their bravery and selfless acts, the statement said, remain a source of inspiration and stand as proof of the Army’s firm commitment to protect India’s sovereignty.

 

The Western Command was first raised on September 15, 1947, in the turbulent period of Partition. Initially called the Delhi and East Punjab Command, it was tasked with defending Delhi and Punjab. Due to uncertain security conditions at the time, the headquarters operated from a mobile train, which is now preserved at the Chandimandir Museum in Panchkula.

 

On January 20, 1948, it was renamed Western Command and took charge of operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Until the Northern Command was created, it was responsible for guarding the entire northern frontier, including Himachal Pradesh and J-K.

 

Over the years, Western Command has repelled aggression and led India to decisive victories. Known as the “Guardian of the Heartland of India,” it lives by its motto, Ever Westwards. Its soldiers have displayed extraordinary bravery, earning 11 Param Vir Chakras, 1 Ashok Chakra, and 143 Maha Vir Chakras, along with many other awards.

 

The statement added that the Command continues to prepare for the future with modernisation, use of new technology, realistic training, and integrated operations. Its focus remains on operational readiness to counter emerging threats and to maintain dominance on the Western Front.