'Poonch Link Up Day' celebrated

Army today marked the 66th anniversary of the linking up of the bordering district of Poonch with rest of the country, with traditional gaiety and fervour.
"The '66th Poonch Link Up Day' was celebrated by the people of Poonch along with Poonch Brigade with characteristic gaiety and fervour today.
"The celebrations commemorated the historic link up carried out by Brig Pritam Singh's forces and forces from Rajouri at Danna Ka Pir on Nov 21 of 1948," Jammu-based defence spokesman, Lt Col Manish Mehta said.
He said besides other people, the celebrations in Poonch was attended by the Army Commander of the Northern Command, and GoC of the Nagrota based 16 Corps of the Army.

He said that the celebrations started with the wreath- laying ceremony followed by the display of various adventure activities.
"The celebrations began with the wreath-laying ceremony, by all the senior army and civil dignitaries. The ceremony was followed by various adventure activities such as para motor display, horsemanship skills of Army Riders, display of skills by dogs of the Army Dog Unit and the aerial display by team of Special Forces" he said.

He said that the Army Commander also distributed artificial limbs to the needy locals who were identified during the Artificial Limb Fitment Camp.
"Distribution of wheelchairs and modified tri-scooters to the physically-challenged brought forth the humane face of the Indian Army towards the awam of Poonch," the spokesman said.

A large number of ex-servicemen also attended the function, he said.