FEROZEPUR, Nov 5: Chief of the Army Staff and Colonel of the Sikh Light Infantry, Gen V.P. Malik, reviewed the ceremonial parade to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the elite Fourth Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry somewhere in the western sector today. He also flagged off a cycle expedition and honoured war widows.The four-day celebrations include laying of wreaths at the unit war memorial, a sainik samelan and various sports and cultural activities. Ranjana Malik, wife of Gen Malik and president of the Army Wives' Welfare Association, accompanied the Army Chief.Raised on July 12, 1948 at Ferozepur, the 4 Sikh LI in the 50 years of its existence has actively participated in all post-independence wars and counter-insurgency operations. The Battalion played an important role in the liberation of Goa in 1961. During the 1962 war, its officers and men defended the Sela Pass in NEFA where seven officers, including commanding officer Lt Col R.D. Nande, six JCOs and 148 men made the supreme sacrifice.The 1965 Indo-Pak war saw the unit playing an important role in the capture of Haji Pir Pass. Due to its commendable performance in the lightning campaign of the 1971 war, the Battalion was honoured with Madhumati Theatre Honour. Men of this unit have seen action in Siachen, the world's highest battlefield and also in the jungles of Sri Lanka.
