India won decisive victory in 1965 war: Capt Amarinder

CHANDIGARH, September 21: Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Capt Amarinder Singh said that India won a decisive victory in 1965 War against Pakistan despite all odds.

Fielding questions during the launch of the book, ‘Monsoon War; Young Officers Reminisce’, which he has co-authored with Lt Gen (Rtd) TS Shergill, Capt Amarinder said, the Indian army showed exemplary courage in defeating Pakistan against all odds. The book was released in Delhi on Sunday evening.

“The Indian Army had fought a war with China only two years before and Pakistan army had superior weaponry all supplied by the US and despite that our soldiers showed the grit and determination in defeating the enemy”, he told the audience which comprised of retired military officers, some of whom had participated in the war also.

Both Capt Amarinder and Gen Shergill had participated in the 1965 War on the western front as young officers. Gen Shergill had also been taken as a prisoner of war.

Gen Shergill recalled his harsh experiences as the POW in Pakistan with the audience.

Both the veterans recalled the military leadership skills of Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, who was the GOC-in-C Western Command, under whom the war was actually fought as most of the action took place along the western command.

Capt Amarinder had served as ADC to Gen Harbaksh Singh.

The launch function started with the presentation of books to the daughter of Gen Harbaksh and wife of Havildar Abdul Hamid PVC.

Capt Amarinder said, the proceeds from the sale of the book will be given to the war widows of the 2 Sikhs and Deccan Horse regiments. While Capt Amarinder served with the 2 Sikhs, Gen Shergill has served with the Deccan Horse.

Prominent among those present included HP CM Virbadra Singh, ex Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Manish Tewari, Sunil Jakhar, Manpreet Badal, Rana Gurjeet, Rana Sodhi, Tript Rajinder Bajwa, Ramanjit Singh Sikki, Navtej Cheema, Gurkirat Kotli, Karan Kaur Brar, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Ajaib Singh Bhatti, Mohd Sadiq, Jassi Khangura, Jagbir Brar and others.