Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 23: Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS) celebrated Haifa Victory Day today.
Every year, this day is celebrated to commemorate the martyrdom of soldiers of three Indian Cavalry Regiments, namely Jodhpur Lancers, Mysore Lancers and Hyderabad Lancers, who with their gallant and bold action liberated Haifa from Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Haifa in 1918.
Major General (Retd) S K Sharma , President FANS, highlighted the importance of Haifa as well as the role of Indian troops during First World War. He deliberated on the complete operation explaining the exceptional bravery shown by the Indian troops riding on the horses, with spears in their hands who defeated the powerful Ottoman and Austrian soldiers equipped with modern weapons and guns, which led to liberation of Haifa.
Prof K L Bhatia, Patron, FANS, said that the supreme sacrifice made by Maj Dalpat Singh of Jodhpur Lancers while displaying exceptional leadership acumen under all odds earned him the Military Cross in that operation.
Prem Sadotra, General Secretary FANS, spoke on the importance of this battle from social angle and its value for the Indian citizens. He further said that the Forum is celebrating Haifa Victory day every year since 2015.
It is worthwhile mentioning that on completion of 100 years of the operation, the Israel issued a commemorative stamp in 2018 in appreciation of Indian soldiers’ role in liberating the city.
Dinesh Gupta, General Secretary and Treasurer FANS, brought out that the brave and chivalrous actions by Indian troops in Battle of Haifa are now-a-days taught to the students of primary classes in Israel.
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