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NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Historic Ferozepur Fort In Punjab Opened For Public After 200 Years
Ferozepur: In an initiative to boost tourism and align the local populace with the military heritage in this border region, the Army's Golden Arrow Division has opened the historic two-century-old Ferozepur Fort to the public. It is for the first time in over 200 years that this significant architectural and historical site has been made accessible to the public. The move reaffirms the government's commitment to preserve national heritage and promote responsible border tourism, said Major General R S Manral, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Golden Arrow Division. "Strategically positioned near the Indo-Pakistan border, Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of 19th-century military architecture from the Sikh empire" said the GOC, adding that its unique hexagonal design and robust defensive features showcase the strategic ingenuity of its time. "The reopening of Ferozepur Fort not only reconnects the region with its storied past but also reaffirms its identity as a symbol of valour, resilience and national pride, firmly placing it on Punjab's cultural and heritage tourism map," said Major General Manral. Brig Bikram Singh, Station Commander, said Ferozepur holds a special place in India's freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule. This fort and its surroundings have borne witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolise national pride and sacrifice, he added. Once a critical outpost in the Sikh empire frontier defence network, the fort holds enduring tales of courage and resistance and also features prominently in narratives of the First War of Independence in 1857. This fort was converted into a British Garrison in 1839 under the instructions of the Duke of Wellington. Later, the British converted this fort into an arsenal (Weapon Store) in 1858 and subsequently, the dry gun cotton store, the powder magazine and ammunition stores were also constructed here. This fort served as the mother depot for the supply of guns, ammunition, trained horses and bullocks. About 10,000 bullocks and as many horses and even 150 camels were tethered at any time in this fort. The fort continued to play the role of arsenal till 1941, when the ammunition was shifted to Kasubegu as a tactical move by the British at the beginning of World War-II.
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Punjab: Ferozepur fort thrown open to public after 200 years
Ferozepur, Jun 2 (PTI) In an initiative to boost tourism and align the local populace with the military heritage in this border region, the Army's Golden Arrow Division has opened the historic two centuries old Ferozepur Fort to the public. It is for the first time in over 200 years that this significant architectural and historical site has been made accessible to the public. The move reaffirms the government's commitment to preserve national heritage and promote responsible border tourism, said Major General R S Manral, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Golden Arrow Division. 'Strategically positioned near the Indo-Pakistan border, Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of 19th-century military architecture from the Sikh empire" said the GOC, adding that its unique hexagonal design and robust defensive features showcase the strategic ingenuity of its time. 'The reopening of Ferozepur Fort not only reconnects the region with its storied past but also reaffirms its identity as a symbol of valour, resilience and national pride, firmly placing it on Punjab's cultural and heritage tourism map," said Major General Manral. Brig Bikram Singh, Station Commander, said Ferozepur holds a special place in India's freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule. This fort and its surroundings have borne witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolize national pride and sacrifice, he added. Once a critical outpost in the Sikh empire frontier defence network, the fort holds enduring tales of courage and resistance and also features prominently in narratives of the first war of Independence in 1857. This fort served as the mother depot for the supply of guns, ammunition, trained horses and bullocks. About 10,000 bullocks and as many horses and even 150 camels were tethered at any time in this fort. The fort continued to play the role of arsenal till 1941 when the ammunition was shifted to Kasubegu as a tactical move by the British at the beginning of World War-II. PTI COR CHS AS AS First Published: June 02, 2025, 19:00 IST
NDTV
6 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
10-Year-Old Shravan Singh Honoured As Youngest Civil Warrior Of Operation Sindoor
In a heartening display of patriotism, 10-year-old Shravan Singh from Mamdot village in Punjab's Ferozepur district has been recognised by the Indian Army as the 'Youngest Civil Warrior' during Operation Sindoor. Amidst the operation, Shravan selflessly provided soldiers with water, tea, milk, lassi, and ice, offering comfort and support. His dedication towards Indian Army and bond with the troops earned him a special felicitation by Major General Ranjeet Singh Manral, GOC of the 7 Infantry Division. #IndianArmy honours little boy Shravan Singh, who helped soldiers in Amritsar border by bringing water, milk, lassi, ice from his house during #operation_sindoor. #Sardar for a reason. Nation First! — Major Madhan Kumar 🇮🇳 (@major_madhan) May 28, 2025 Sharvan's father, Sona Singh, told PTC News,"The soldiers were stationed on our land, and from the very first day, my son began taking milk, lassi, water, and ice to them. We never stopped him because he found happiness in serving the Army. He kept visiting them regularly, and it made us proud. He now dreams of becoming a soldier one day." Speaking to the media, Shravan said he enjoyed visiting the Army personnel and providing them with refreshments. "I want to become a soldier when I grow up and serve the nation," he said. "They gave me a special gift, treated me to a special meal, and even gave me ice cream. That made me very happy." India decimated nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir with precision strikes early on May 7 in response to the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Operation Sindoor was not just a military mission, but "the face of a changing India" that reflects the country's resolve, courage, and growing strength on the global stage. Addressing his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister termed Operation Sindoor as a turning point in the global fight against terror and a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose.
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
J-K: Chinar Corps commander reviews preparedness along LoC in Kupwara post Operation Sindoor
Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 22 (ANI): Chinar Corps General Officer Commanding (GOC) Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava on Thursday reviewed operational preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, 'post' Operation Sindoor. During his visit to the forward areas in Kupwara, Lt Gen Srivastava interacted with the troops and lauded them for the courage, dedication, and professionalism they demonstrated during the recent ceasefire violation by Pakistan. In a post on X, the Chinar Corps stated, 'Chinar Corps Commander reviewed operational preparedness, post Operation SINDOOR, along the Line of Control in Kupwara. During interaction, he lauded the troops for their exemplary courage, unwavering dedication, utmost professionalism and befitting response during recent ceasefire violations.' 'He underscored the significance of ensuring unrelenting vigilance, technological infusion and steadfast domination along the Line of Control and being prepared for futuristic challenges,' it added. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted terror infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and inside Pakistan, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. India damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields at 11 Pakistani airbases during the operation. Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan resorted to cross-border shelling and drone attacks targeting civilian areas, after which India carried out further precision strikes in retaliation to Pakistan's provocation. The military escalation was followed by an understanding between the two countries on May 10 to cease hostilities. Meanwhile, in a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's resolve to combat terrorism and urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its continued support to terror outfits. He stressed the need for global unity in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Earlier this month, Lt Gen Srivastava also visited Rashtriya Rifles Battalions deployed in South Kashmir, where he reviewed security operations and praised the troops for their planning and execution of Operation Keller and Operation Nader. These operations led to the elimination of six hardcore terrorists and the recovery of a large cache of war-like stores. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
No air defence guns deployed at Golden Temple, says Indian Army
Amid row over a top military official's claim that anti-drone weapons were deployed on the premises of the Golden Temple during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army on Tuesday clarified that no air defence guns were put up at the shrine. The assertion came after the Golden Temple management and the head granthi (priest) of the shrine vehemently denied some media reports (quoting the army official) that claimed that permission had been given to the forces to deploy air defence guns to counter potential drone and missile threats from Pakistan. 'Some media reports are circulating with respect to deployment of air defence guns in the Golden Temple. It is clarified that no such resources were deployed on the premises of the Golden Temple,' said an army in a release. On Monday, Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, the army's in-charge of air defence, was quoted by news outlets as saying that the head priest (Giani Raghbir Singh) had permitted the deployment of air defence guns in the shrine complex. Prior to this, Major General Kartik C Seshadri, the general officer commanding (GOC), 15 Infantry Division, said that Golden Temple was targeted by Pakistan forces with missiles and drones and India's air defence system had successfully intercepted and destroyed them to protect the shrine. Terming the statements 'propaganda', Giani Raghbir said, 'I was not contacted by any army officer. There was no communication on any gun deployment, nor did any such incident occur at Sri Darbar Sahib. In any case, I was on leave in the US for 22 days. I went on April 24 and returned on May 14. The conflict started after I left and ended before I returned. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee should probe the army's claims and take departmental action if any SGPC member is found involved in this matter.' In an official statement by the SGPC, additional head granthi Giani Amarjit Singh, who was officiating in Giani Raghbir Singh's absence, said the administration contacted them only about switching off the lights during the blackout after recent escalation of tension between India and Pakistan and they fully cooperated in the interest of administrative responsibility. Despite the tense situation in recent days, the full religious code of conduct continued at Harmandar Sahib with dedication and discipline, he said. He denied granting any permission to the army and reiterated there was no such weapon deployment at the shrine. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami also said no army officer contacted him and neither was any air defence gun put up at the shrine. He said even during the blackout, devotees continued to do sewa (voluntary service) at the shrine and had any such event occurred, the sangat (followers) would have certainly noticed it. Dhami acknowledged the commendable role played by the Army and the country during the tense circumstances, but emphasized that 'spreading such falsehoods about the central religious place of Sikhs days after the events is shockingly untrue'. He also demanded a clarification from the government.
