BATHINDA: Completing 150 years of its raising Saturday, the Central India Horse (CIH) regiment of the Indian army paid rich tributes to its martyrs who had laid down their lives defending the country. The final day of the three-day sesquicentenary celebrations began at the unit location in the south western sector with an impressive multi religion memorial service sanctified by four religious teachers.

This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the CIH War Memorial which was led by Lt Gen Pradeep Khanna, General Officer Commanding, 21 Corps & Colonel of the Regiment and Col P S Minhas, Commandant, CIH. The General Officer also inspected the Quarterguard on the occasion. Among others who paid their tributes at the Memorial were Maj Gen (Retd.) Umrao Singh, Risaldar Major Malkiat Singh, the senior most retired JCO Risaldar Major Karam Singh and Col Mark Ridley, who laid a wreath on behalf of the UK CIH Association.

Later, addressing the troops at the Sesquicentenary Sainik Sammelan, Gen Khanna said that the CIH has made a special place for itself in the history of the Indian army. and the soldiers of the CIH have been winning appreciation from all quarters. The General Officer however cautioned them that the real challenge now lies in maintaining this apex position for which he called upon the troops to carry out their good work with greater vigour, dedication and hard work.

Lt Gen (Retd.)  B S Thakur, former Vice Chief of the Indian army; Maj Gen (Retd) Umrao Singh; Risaldar Major (Retd.) Karam Singh and Sh Kuldip raj Gupta also addressed the Sammelan. A congratulatory message from Mr Jaswant Singh, Leader of Opposition of Rajya Sabha, who was the Adjutant of the Regiment in 1965 and later retired from service in 1966, was also read out on the occasion as he could not attend the celebrations.

On the occasion, the Colonel of the Regiment released a 'Special Day Cover', which has been issued by the Army Postal Service. Gen Khanna also gave away prizes to the various squadrons of the Regiment for carrying out commendable work in different fields. While the B squadron lifted the overall championship for the year 2007, the A squadron was adjudged best in drill and C Squadron in equipment maintenance.   The trophies for best in small arms maintenance, discipline & man management and sports were cornered by the B squadron.