Museum to showcase entire history of Western Command

Talking about the museum, GOC-in-C, Western Command, Lt General K J Singh said, “Though there were museums, none that encompassed the entire history of the Western Command. That is why we decided to build this museum and place the train replica. There have been contributions from many veterans.”

Some parts of the museum have already come up, including the Heritage Block and the Valour Block, which together honour the participation of the soldiers of the Command in various operations. Among the exhibits at the museum is soil from Dograi and Khemkaran representing the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought and laid down their lives for the country.

Captured enemy weapons, including Pakistan Army rifles, a milestone signifying the 15-km distance from Lahore, and another one of the Phillaur Police Post in Pakistan, seek to recreate the theatres of battles past.

An entire wall is covered with photographs of Param Vir Chakras and Maha Vir Chakra awardees as a mark of tribute. Another wall displays the legacy of all the GOCs-in-C who have led the Command to date.

There are contributions from former Army Commanders, war veterans and their kin, including the uniform of former Army Commander General (retd) J J Singh and a handwritten diary of Field Marshal General K M Cariappa. A section of the museum showcases the history and the formations of the Command, including Kharga Corps, HQ 9 Corps, and 11 Corps.

Apart from the locomotive and the saloon, a Pushpak aircraft will be another attraction at the museum. An M47 Patton Tank of the Pakistan Army captured during the 1965 Indo-Pak war has also been placed outside the museum, its barrel pointing downwards in salute to the Indian martyrs.

“The preparations are going on in full swing, and the second phase of the construction has started. The museum will be opened as early as possible,” said Lt General K J Singh.