How Major Sharma saved Kashmir from invading Pakistanis by keeping only hope alive
India Today · Shounak Sanyal ·
Major Somnath Sharma and his 100 soldiers stopped 500 militia men commanded by Pakistan Army officers from capturing the Srinagar airport in November 1947 Despite his arm in a cast and being asked to rest Major Sharma led from the front and saved Jammu and Kashmir from falling into Pakistan039s hands He laid down his life and became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra
Major Somnath Sharma and his 100 soldiers stopped 500 militia men commanded by Pakistan Army officers from capturing the Srinagar airport in November 1947. Despite his arm in a cast and being asked to rest, Major Sharma led from the front and saved Jammu and Kashmir from falling into Pakistan's hands. He laid down his life and became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
"The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round." This was the message Major Somnath Sharma, commanding officer of the company that held Badgam on the outskirts of Srinagar, radioed on November 3, 1947. It was not even three months since India gained independence and Pakistan had thrust upon a war on it.
Soldiers from the 4th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment under Major Sharma's command had dug in at the village of Badgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Behind them lay Srinagar, the summer capital of the princely state, and its vital airfield. Major Sharma was still recovering from a fractured arm and wearing a plaster cast.
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