A grand memorial function was solemnised at Jhangar, Naushera in Rajouri district to commemorate the birth centenary of Brig Usman, Maha Vir Chakra, who laid down his life on this day while saving Naushera sector from Pakistan Army and tribal raiders during 1947-48 war.
The Jhangar Day, which is commemorated every year on July 3 to mark India's victory in Naushera in 1948 assumed special significance this year in view of the birth centenary of Brig Usman.
Army Commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen K T Parnaik accompanied by General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, Lt Gen A S Nandal, Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, Colonel of the Parachute Regiment, General Officer Commanding Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen KH Singh, DC Rajouri and other military and civil dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Brig Usman was born at Bibipur in Uttar Pradesh on July 15, 1912. At the time of Independence, he refused to opt for Pakistan, forsaking the lure of promotion and continued to serve the nation.
In 1947-48 Indo-Pak War, he was posted at the Jammu and Kashmir front as the Brigade Commander of the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade.
Leading his soldiers from the front, he repulsed a fierce attack on Naushera and Jhangar. He rightly came to be known as the 'Lion of Naushera and also referred as the 'Saviour of Jhangar'.
However, on July 3, 1948, he was martyred while fighting the Pakistan Army and tribal raiders.
