Indian Army proud to possess captured 1971 Pakistani jeep

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), July 29 (ANI): Army officers based in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, have said that it is a matter of pride for them to make use of a Pakistani jeep that was captured by them during the 1971 war.

The 3 Grenadier Regiment of the Indian Army captured the jeep, which was a part of their attack plan at Shakargarh border, in Jarpal area of Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters, Commanding Officer of 3 Grenadier, Colonel Lalit Sharma informed reporters about the events that took pace in 1971 and said that it was a great achievement for the Indian Army.

"Jarpal Queen (a vehicle) was captured in the (1971) war. It's an achievement for our unit and the sacrifices that have been made by the Indian army (is uncountable) and in this present situation, when the unit is deployed at the border, so, whenever we see this vehicle, it reminds us how our ancestors had fought bravely and became successful in winning the war and its achievements are still with us," said Sharma.

The Army attacked the Jarpal area on the night of December 15. They captured the Jeep, which is known as 'Jarpal Queen'.

The jeep is still running for patrolling on the border roads of the country.

At present, the unit is deployed in Nangi Tekri region of Poonch district.

Sharma said that the 3 Grenadier Regiment has always stood up for the services to the nation.

"I can assure you hundred percent that not only the '3 Grenadier' but each and every unit of the Indian army (is always ready for the service of the nation). Whatever task would be given to us by the Army or by the country, we are always ready to accomplish it with full enthusiasm and devotion." Said Sharma.

A full scale war broke out between India and Pakistan over East Pakistan. It ended with surrender of 90,000 Pakistani troops and led to creation of Bangladesh.

Kashmir lies at the heart of tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals and has been trigger of two of the three wars between them since their independence from British rule in 1947.

The row over Kashmir remains an emotionally charged issue for both India and Pakistan.

The restive region has witnessed numerous militant attacks, insurgency, and infiltration attempts from across the border in the last two decades.

Kashmir is one of the world's most militarised zones, with India deploying more than 1.3 million troops to quell separatists. (ANI)