2017-09-23 Sat

The partition of India didn’t solve the territorial problems but instead, it brought out a new form of silent conflicts like the cold war that started rising between Indian and Pakistan. This silent conflict endangered the peace and freedom of the citizens of both the countries and ultimately resulted in the second Indo-Pak War of 1965.

In this war, the Indian Armed Forces exhibited tremendous valour, determination and sacrifice. The dispute of Kashmir which started from October 1947 cumulated into a war as Pakistan was not able to achieve its goals through diplomacy and hence so it chose the path of conflict.

This war put the Indian Armed Forces on test for the second time. The Pakistan forces attacked Kutch in Western India and subsequently Kashmir valley was also infiltrated. The launch of Operation Gibraltar and Grand Slam by Pakistan was the confident of quick success by surprising the Indian forces but these operations failed to do so.

During this time Indian Forces were not adequately equipped in all sectors but yet they fought this war valiantly with the capacity to overcome quickly in spite of the diversity of situations. The timely entry of the Indian Air Force in the support of Indian Armed Forces plays a major role in various battles. The Indian Navy was patrolling the western and eastern coastal shores to ensure its safety.

This war saw the second major uses of Battle tanks after the Second World War. The graveyard of Patton tanks is the standing proof of this heavy fought war which witnessed major causality on both sides. In spite of Pakistan’s superior weaponry, Indian forces were able to defeat them. This 21 days of war proved the potential of Indian Forces and their valour was recognised through the awarding of 16 Battle Honours and three Theatre Honours, two Param Vir Chakra beside numerous Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra.

At the end of this huge war, the United States and the Soviet Union used significant diplomatic tools to prevent any further escalation of conflict between these two South Asian nations. The Ceasefire established on 23rd of September by these super bodies effectively ended the Indo-Pak war of 1965. It remained in action till the Third Indo-Pak War of 1971.

In 2015, India Post issued three Commemorative stamps to honour the selfless service and the spirit of sacrifice of the Indian soldiers, Sailor and Air Warriors in the War of 1965.

‘Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind’.