In a compelling session at the Army War College (AWC), Mhow, Brigadier Shamsher Singh (Retd), a distinguished war veteran and former Signals officer of the assaulting brigade, shared first-hand insights and anecdotal accounts of India’s decisive victory in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, with particular focus on the historic capture of the strategic Hajipir Pass.
Keywords: 1965 Indo-Pak War, Hajipir Pass capture, Brig Shamsher Singh, Army War College Mhow, Indian Army leadership lessons, Pakistan, India
Addressing officers at the premier institution of higher military learning, Brigadier Singh brought to life the exceptional saga of leadership, daring, courage, determination, endurance, and unwavering comradeship that defined the Indian Army’s operations against seemingly insurmountable odds. As a young captain serving as Signal Officer with the 68 Infantry Brigade under Brigadier ZC Bakshi, he provided a rare ground-level perspective of the bold multi-pronged offensive that secured the vital mountain pass in the Uri-Poonch sector on August 28, 1965.
His narrative highlighted the tactical audacity of units such as 1 PARA, which under Major Ranjit Singh Dayal executed a daring night advance and daylight assault to seize the pass, disrupting enemy infiltration routes and linking Uri with Poonch while bringing nearly 500 square kilometres under Indian control. The veteran underscored how calculated risks, speed, surprise, and the fighting spirit of junior leaders and troops turned the tide despite harsh terrain, adverse weather, and determined resistance.
The lecture offered valuable lessons for future operations, emphasising the enduring principles of initiative, bold decision-making at lower levels, seamless inter-arm coordination, and the centrality of human resolve over material superiority. Officers present drew practical insights applicable to contemporary mountain and hybrid warfare scenarios.
AWC Commandant Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria and other senior officers attended the session. At the conclusion, Lt Gen Chandpuria felicitated Brig Shamsher Singh with a memento in recognition of his invaluable contribution to preserving institutional memory and inspiring the next generation of military leaders.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.