Article Posted on : - Jul 22, 2013

JAMMU (PTI): The Indian Army's 8th Mountain Division, which is also called "the Forever in Operations" Division and looking after the strategic Kargil sector, is planning its "golden jubilee celebrations" this year.

"To be held over two days, events are planned for Golden Jubilee celebrations (of 8th Mountain Division) and is expected to be attended by a number of officers who commanded the formation", a Defence spokesman said on Sunday.

"Vijay Diwas celebration this year shall be combined with the Golden Jubilee of the raising of 8th Mountain Division, which not only participated in the 1999 conflict, but has since then been in charge of the Kargil area," he said.

The Army had raised the 8th Mountain Division in 1963 primarily to combat insurgency in the north-east and later deployed in counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland and Manipur, before being shifted to Kashmir Valley in late 1980s.

"The Division has been commanded by former Army chiefs General K V Krishna Rao, Gen B C Joshi and Gen V P Malik.

"The celebrations will include a wreath laying ceremony at Dras War Memorial, a memorial service accompanied by beating the retreat ceremony and a brass band display.

"A First Day Cover will also be released on the occasion," the spokesman said.

Several serving and retired officers are expected to take part in the celebrations, he added.