1 Corps Signal Regiment concentrated at Pathankot in 1971 prior to its move to Its operational area in Samba. My section NCO, a Punjabi from Pathankot, got me some Palangthod, a very tasty sweet which I really liked. Since then I had been waiting for an opportunity to go to the city to buy Palangthod. The Regiment got orders to move to Samba but I was asked to stay back in the rear and await orders to move the rear party. Having become the Rear Party Commander I decided to fulfill the desire to eat Palangthod. I went to the city in the afternoon and bought 2 Kg Palangthod. While I was in the market came the big surprise; the first wave of Pakistani aircrafts. I could see the menacing aircraft in the sky. I got into my jeep and rushed back to the Unit. By the time I reached the Unit the men had come out and they were on stand-to thanks to the prompt action of my Senior JCO. He briefed me that things were under control and I felt relieved. Then the Senior JCO informed me that he had to put my sahayak Signalman Pillai in the quarter guard due to an indiscretion. As soon as he came to know about the Pakistani air attack, Pillai got agitated and highly excited. He loaded his 303 bolt action rifle, came out in the open and started firing indiscriminately. Fortunately, he didn't hurt anybody. He was furious and wouldn't listen to anyone. Somehow he was overpowered, disarmed and put in the cell by the colleagues. I went to see Pillai. By this time he had regained his composure and was behaving in a normal way. He was sorry for his angry outburst and promised not to repeat such mistake. I released him from detention next day morning after serving him a stern warning. This was my first experience of War! I associate Pathankot with Palangthod, Pakistan and Pillai!!
No comments:
Post a Comment