The Army’s Parachute Regiment on Sunday celebrated the birth centenary of Brig Mohammed Usman, the highest-ranking army officer killed in the Indo-Pak conflict in 1947.
A commemorative function was organised in New Delhi to celebrate the birth centenary of Usman “who as a Muslim became a symbol of India’s inclusive secularism“.
Brig Usman had shown unparallelled courage and valour during 1947-48 while defending the Naushera Sector of Jammu and Kashmir and recapturing Jhangar, Vice President Hamid Ansari said at the function.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh and paratroopers -- both serving and retired -- attended the function.
At the time of partition, Brig Usman with other officers declined to move to Pakistan and continued to serve the Indian Army despite the lure of becoming the Pakistan Army Chief.
Brig Usman was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for his role in the 1947-48 operations.
