The Indian Army's Valiant Defence of Jammu & Kashmir in 1947

Pakistani Pashtun tribal militias, supported by the Pakistan Army, launched "Operation Gulmarg," invading Jammu & Kashmir. Their aim was to seize the state before Maharaja Hari Singh could accede to India or Pakistan. The invasion was marked by widespread looting, burning, and atrocities.

Facing an imminent collapse of his state, Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir formally signed the Instrument of Accession to India. This crucial document legally integrated J&K into the Indian Union, paving the way for Indian military intervention.

In a historic military operation, the first contingent of Indian Army soldiers (1 Sikh Regiment) was airlifted to Srinagar. Landing amidst hostile fire, they secured the Srinagar airfield and pushed back the invaders, saving the capital city from falling. This marked India's official entry into the conflict.

Major Somnath Sharma, leading a company of 4 Kumaon Regiment, made the supreme sacrifice defending Badgam airfield. Despite being outnumbered and wounded, he continued to lead his men, repelling multiple assaults. His gallantry prevented the fall of Srinagar airfield and earned him India's first Param Vir Chakra (posthumously).

Indian forces, after securing Srinagar, launched counter-offensives, liberating key areas like Uri. However, the vital town of Poonch came under a prolonged siege by Pakistani forces, which lasted for over a year and required heroic efforts by the Indian Army to sustain and eventually relieve.

The Indian Army faced immense challenges operating in the harsh winter conditions of J&K, navigating treacherous terrain and extreme cold. Despite this, they continued their advance, consolidating gains and pushing back the invaders from strategically important locations.

A United Nations-mediated ceasefire came into effect, bringing an end to the active hostilities. This led to the establishment of the 'Ceasefire Line,' which later became known as the Line of Control (LoC), demarcating the areas of J&K held by India and Pakistan, setting the stage for future geopolitical realities.