Thursday, October 27 2005 16:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Shillong: Army and security personnel here today (Oct 27, 2005) observed Infantry Day to recall the valour and chivalry of the soldiers and commemorate the landing of first infantry man in the Kashmir valley 57 years ago to throw out Pakistani invaders from the vicinity of Srinagar airfield.

The day began with laying of wreath at the war memorial of the Assam regimental centre by Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh, who is also the senior most serving infantry officer present in the station.

Wreaths were also laid by the commandants of the 58 Gorkha Training Centre and Assam Regimental centre to pay homage to the martyrs with the sounding of the 'last post' and the 'rouse'.

Addressing a special sainik sammelan later, Lt Gen Singh apprised them of the significance of the day and important role being played by the infantry, constituting the largest component of the Indian army, in maintaining national integration by fighting external aggression and internal disturbances.

A barakhana was also organised for the troops and ex-servicemen residing in Shillong followed by a social get-together of infantry officers.