Every year on 27 October, two very different observances unfold across the subcontinent.

In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues its annual “Kashmir Black Day” statement, claiming that Indian troops “occupied” the Valley in 1947.

Across the Line of Control, India commemorates Infantry Day — honouring the moment when Indian soldiers were air-lifted into Srinagar to defend Jammu and Kashmir after its legal accession to the Union.

Seventy-seven years later, the facts remain unchanged: Pakistan launched the first aggression, and India’s infantry saved Kashmir.

A Dawn That Changed The Valley

At sunrise on 27 October 1947, a Dakota aircraft touched down on the dirt strip at Srinagar. On board were men of 1 Sikh Regiment, led by Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai. The Valley was on

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