Infantry Day was celebrated on Saturday 27 Oct, 2007. Infantry ; the queen of the battle, celebrates 27 October each year as the Infantry Day. On this historic day, sixty years ago in response to the first threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indian Nation, the first elements of the Indian Infantry landed in Srinagar and resolutely defended Kashmir from falling into the enemy hands. Pakistan staked claim on Kashmir being a predominantly muslim state and taking advantage of the procrastination of the ruler of J & K exploited the vulnerable situation by launching an attach with the help of raiders on 18 Oct 1947. By 26 Oct 1947, the situation turned grave as the raiders advanced along road Uri-Baramulla-Srinagar.

As per the request of the Kashmiri Maharaja and the opposition party, On 27 Oct 1947, a Battalion Headquarters with one company of Infantry were flown into Srinagar. These valiant Indian soldiers fought a gallant action reversing the tide of the battle and saving Kashmir from being torn away by Pakistan. To commemorate this exemplary action of the Infantry in the nascent stage of our independence, 27 October is celebrated as the Infantry day.

The Indian Infantry is one of the most battle hardened and combat rich forces in the world, Replete with the glorious history of warfare over a couple of centuries, the Infantry proudly continues to perform the primary and vital role in managing the security environment of the country. Any Army would be proud of the enviable reputation enjoyed by its foremost fighting arm and, in the Indian Army, the Infantry has earned for itself a unique place of pride. Indeed, the Army stood the nation in good stead through a difficult phase of its history, largely due to the selfless devotion to duty of India’s gallant Infantrymen for whom sacrifice is a way of life. Infantry is the prime instrument of the nations efforts towards combating the most serious challenge to her security namely the scourge of terrorism. Infantry is fighting terrorism continuously both in J & K and North East in an exemplary manner. Besides zealously guarding the Nation’s frontiers over sixty years of independent India’s turbulent history, Indian Infantry battalions have acquitted themselves extremely creditably in internal security and counter-insurgency operations over prolonged periods. Through their dedication and disciplined professionalism, Indian Infantrymen have earned the respect and admiration of their counterparts the world over.

Infantry is an arm of close combat, with the role of closing in with the enemy to capture or destroy him. While in defence, Infantry holds key areas of tactical and strategic significance and defends it to the ‘Last Man Last Round’. This crucial role makes Infantry the most predominant, indispensable and decisive arm for achieving victory in war. Infantry comprises over one third of the Indian Army. They have an enviable combat record, having won 17 Param Vir Chakras and 33 Ashok Chakras out of a total 21 Param Vir Chakras and 34 Ashok Chakras, which have been awarded so far.

Wreaths were laid by serving and retired infantry officers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti on Infantry Day on October 27 at 0900 hrs in the honour of the comrades who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Indian army fought along with Kashmiri local population against the Pakistanis and the tribals. Tribals resorted to looting Kashmir before withdrawal. Pakistani forces personnel raped Kashmiri women and sabotaged while retreating.