New Delhi, Jul 3: The Indian Army on Thursday paid tribute to Brigadier Mohd Usman, who had laid down his life on this very day in the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war, after leading from the front in the fierce battle of Naushera, with “conspicuous courage and inspirational leadership” that had turned the tide in favour of the Indian force.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at his grave located in a cemetery near Delhi’s Jamia Milia Islamia to commemorate his death anniversary.
His heroics in the battle of Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir earned him the moniker of ‘Lion of Naushera’ or ‘Naushera Ka Sher’.
The officer was awarded Mahavir Chakra posthumously for his services to the nation.
Indian Army’s Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement Director General Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh and the colonel of the Parachute Regiment laid the wreath.
A wreath was also laid on behalf of the Chief of the Army Staff to honour the war hero. Several other serving and retired army officers attended the event and paid their respect, a senior official said.
“#NausheraKaSher Brigadier M Usman Parachute Regiment Jammu And Kashmir 03 July 1948 An embodiment of valour, Brigadier M Usman led from the front in the fierce battle of Naushera, with conspicuous courage and inspirational leadership, that turned the tide in favour of the #IndianArmy. Awarded #MahaVirChakra (Posthumous). We pay our tribute!,” the Indian Army said in a post on X.
The Army also shared an image of an archival document bearing the order dated March 16, 1948, issued by Brigadier Usman, who was then the commander of the 50 (I) Para Brigade.
He was responsible for the recapture of Jhangar and Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947-48 war. The gallant officer laid down his life on July 3, 1948 at Naushera, the official said.
He was given a state funeral, which was attended by the then governor general Lord Mountbatten, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Union minister Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Sheikh Abdullah, he said.
The officer set an example of personal courage, exceptional qualities of leadership and devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and was honoured with the Mahavir Chakra, the Army said.
“#NausheraKaSher A Wreath Laying Ceremony in the honour of Brigadier M Usman, #MVC (P) was organised at Jamia Milia Islamia University Cemetery, #NewDelhi. Colonel of the Parachute Regiment, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh along with serving personnel and #Veterans paid homage to the ‘Hero of Naushera’. With deepest respect & remembrance, wreaths were also laid by his great grand-niece Sana Ferozuddin and Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia Islamia University. #IndianArmy,” the Army wrote in another post on X and also shared some photos of the ceremony. (Agencies)
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