Lt Gen. C.K.S. Sabu pays homage to gunner martyrs at the war memorial

Siliguri, Sept. 28: Gunners of various units in the Trishakti Corps here celebrated the 179th anniversary of the regiment of artillery today.

The day started with the general officer commanding (GOC) of the Corps, Lt Gen. C.K.S. Sabu, who took over charge a month ago, laying a wreath at the war memorial at Sukna, the headquarters of the unit. Through this, the officers and jawans paid tribute to the gunner martyrs who had laid down their lives in the past.

The celebrations also included special Sainik Sammelans by the commanding officers of each artillery unit, where the personnel renewed their pledge to follow the regiment’s motto — Sarvatra Izzat-o-Iqbal (everywhere with honour and glory). A barakhana for all ranks at the unit level followed.

Raised on September 28, 1827, 5 Bombay Mountain Battery is the oldest sub-unit of the regiment of artillery. The battery is now part of 57 Field Regiment located within the Corps.

Participating in all the wars the country has fought, the gunners’ role during the Kargil war (Operation Vijay) in 1999 was seen and appreciated by all. Even Pakistani prisoners of war acknowledged the accurate fire of the Bofors and other guns of the Indian artillery.

Gen. Sabu, himself from the artillery regiment, is the senior-most serving gunner in the Corps region, while Col Himmat Singh is the senior-most retired gunner. Felicitating all the gunners and their families, the general urged them to rededicate themselves to the regiment’s traditions and motto.