Sanjha Morcha

What’s New

Click the heading to open detailed news

Current Events :

web counter

Print Media Reproduced Defence Related News

Change Of Guard Ceremony Now In New Format, Prez Murmu Attends Inaugural Show

New Delhi, Feb 16: The change of guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will now be held in a new format, featuring an elaborate visual and musical performance against the backdrop of the presidential palace, an official statement said on Sunday.

The new format includes military drills by troops and horses of the President’s Bodyguard, along with personnel from the Ceremonial Guard Battalion and the Ceremonial Military Brass Band. The display will be spread over a larger area, the statement added.
President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural ceremony in its new format on Sunday at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to the statement issued by her office.
The ceremony will be open to a larger number of visitors from February 22, the statement said.
Change of guard, a time-honoured military tradition, was introduced as a ceremonial event in 2007 at Rashtrapati Bhavan allowing a fresh group of the President’s Bodyguard to take charge.
In 2012 the ceremony was made a public event giving citizens an opportunity to attend the event, officials said.
Previously held between Jaipur Column and gate number 1, it has now been shifted to the forecourt, expanding the capacity to over a thousand spectators, they said.
Conducted weekly, this ceremony marks formal handover of duties between the outgoing and incoming guards.


The ceremony attended by Murmu on Sunday showcased synchronised movements by the Ceremonial Battalion, precision drills by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) and performance by the Ceremonial Band, reflecting the discipline, heritage, and pride of the Indian armed forces.
Raised in 1773, the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army, tasked with ceremonial duties for the president. PBG personnel are skilled horsemen, tank operators, and paratroopers.
Visitors can reserve their slots at https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in (PTI)


Being a soldier’s wife

I carry my grief with me on my sleeve

Geetika Lidder

Last weekend was my birthday, February 8. It also happens to be the month of love, the Valentine’s month. It seemed to be the perfect day to offer this tribute of true love to my husband, the late Brig LS Lidder, who lost his life in the CDS chopper crash in December 2021. The tribute was in the form of a book, straight from my heart.

The book is titled ‘I Am a Soldier’s Wife’. Well, we got married in 1996 and I have been a soldier’s wife since that glorious day… but these words were spoken right after the last rites of my husband, when I was asked by the media, and I said, “I am a soldier’s wife, I must give him a smiling sendoff.” Never ever have I felt this more profoundly that I need to be the soldier’s wife than at that time, when the soldier was gone.

This has started on a serious note, so does the book. It starts with the day when we lost him along with the others in the crash. However, like the subtitle of the book — ‘The life and love of Toni Lidder’ — the book is merely that.

An eternal romantic at heart, I love love stories. My own is my favourite. The book is a simple story of true love — a life well lived with precious memories and moments. I always believed that Toni was special. It was after he went that I realised that he was so special to so many people… and that gave me reason to recall and record my life with him. It is a simple, no-fuss book. In fact, you will find yourself in any of the chapters. It is like the Jane and John next door. They are all relatable to any couple, especially the Army ones, for it has glimpses of life as it passes us by, station to station, box to box.

Remember, I said the life and love of Toni Lidder, nowhere did I say loss. Yes, we lost him in the physical form, but three years after that day, I can say that he is always with me.

These years have taught me that love may not mean togetherness. How else can you explain Radha-Krishna, or Meera-Krishna… true love is faith and devotion, something I can never be short of where Toni was concerned. True love is in the form of Nandi, who has patience, complete surrender and faith as he waits at the door of the Shiv temple, unquestioning about the appearance of the lord. True love is in the form of Hanuman, who is pleased only by the mere mention of Ramji… do you know how many times you say Ram when you chant the Hanuman Chalisa? So, love is independent of physical presence. These analogies are only to justify my faith in the universe and the plan it has for everyone.

We barely ever had an argument and I would tease him — “I love you and you love you!” When we were courting, his coursemates used to say: “Geetika talks like Lakhy. In fact, she says something and looks towards him for validation.” When we got married, I was told by many elders of the paltan — “Humara sabse honhaar beta hai”, until one day, our CO’s wife told one of them: “Woh jaisa hai, yeh bilkul vaisi hai….” That was music to my ears.

Within 12 hours of his passing, I told myself, if I break down and shatter into pieces, it’ll be pieces of him all around, so I have to collect him within me now and reflect him within me — heaven knows it that I have tried my best to live with that spirit of the soldier within me. He and his memories have ensured that I continue to live in the way that would make him proud, befitting of the Lidder way! He taught Aashna and me to grab moments, make them memories and live a life of meaning, purpose and gratitude. We continue to do that as well as we can.

Yes, I have to reset my mind to think of a tomorrow without him in it, but the love we had will keep me warm forever. That love comes to Aashna and me in the form of all our friends who envelop us with their love. The purpose to each day comes from the institution where I serve — Shri Ram School gives me identity and relevance and impacting the children each day in my own small way is a humbling feeling which I am eternally grateful for. AWWA and its outreach and dependability is something that never ceases to amaze me. AWWA president Sunita Dwivedi and all other members make me feel so loved, respected and held.

My most respectful salute to the outfit which gave Toni his identity and made him who he was, the 2nd Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Bodyguard. ‘I Can Never Say Enough About the Men’ is the title of a book written on our unit, and I can only echo that.

As we say in Bodyguard

Some of us are gone

And some of us are far,

But all of us are proud

Of just who we are

We, the Bodyguards.

Being a soldier’s wife has taught me the harshest lessons in life — Toni taught me to not turn my back on the enemy. Here, when grief came calling, I opened the door to it, looked at it in the eye, adapted to it, adopted it and today, I own my grief. I carry it with me on my sleeve. After all, I am a soldier’s wife.

Jai Durge, Jai JAK, Jai Hind!


3rd batch of US deportees arrives in Amritsar; 31 of 112 from Punjab and 44 Haryana

Flight lands at Amritsar airport around 10 pm

A third US military special flight carrying 112 deportees landed at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on Sunday night.

The flight landed at the airport at 10:03 pm, officials said.

Among the fresh batch of deportees, 31 are from Punjab, 44 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, two from Uttar Pradesh and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The deportees will be allowed to head to their homes after completion of all formalities, including immigration, verification and background checks.

Arrangements have been made for the transportation of deportees to their destination, the officials said.

Second US military flight brings 117 deportees, men in ‘shackles’ again

Their removal is part of an ongoing crackdown by US immigration authorities on individuals who entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas.

On Saturday night, a US military plane carrying 117 illegal Indian immigrants, including 65 from Punjab, landed at the Amritsar airport.

The movement followed the deportation of 104 individuals earlier on February 5.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had also attacked the Centre over the landing of US planes carrying deportees at Amritsar airport.

“Do not make our holy city a deportation centre,” he said.

He slammed the Centre saying it was a “deliberate attempt to defame the state” by giving the impression that all deportees belonged to Punjab.

Mann also visited the airport on Saturday and said his government has made arrangements to take the Punjab residents to their hometowns.


Army & IAF Intensify Hunt For Advanced Anti-Drone Systems

Anti Drone System from Zen Technologies works on detection, classification, tracking on passive surveillance, camera sensors & neutralisation of the threat via jamming drone communication

The Indian Army (IA) and Indian Air Force (IAF) are increasing their efforts to acquire more advanced anti-drone systems in response to the growing threat from hostile drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in both conventional and irregular warfare.

Current Procurement Efforts

The Indian Army has issued a tender for nine more indigenous integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (IDD&IS). This is in addition to systems already inducted for the frontier with China.

The IAF is seeking new anti-swarm drone systems, including 10 kamikaze drone-based systems, 10 mobile micro munitions-based systems, and 100-200 vehicle-mounted counter-UAS.

The IAF will begin inducting 200 radio frequency jammer guns. The Army is acquiring around 30 vehicle-based drone jammers.

Need For Advanced Systems

More advanced anti-drone systems are needed with multiple soft-kill and hard-kill options and longer interception ranges.

These systems include jamming, spoofing, and blinding systems to disrupt drone command-and-control links, as well as laser-based directed energy weapons (DEWs) for hard kills.

The Army requires advanced versions of vehicle-mounted IDD&IS with soft-kill jamming ranges of 2-5 km and effective hard-kill ranges through lasers of around 800 meters.

The IAF needs effective multi-sensor, multi-kill systems against smaller drones to address operational gaps.

Indigenous Development And Collaboration

India is behind other countries in indigenously developing complex counter-drone technologies.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed anti-drone systems with 2-kilowatt to 10-kilowatt lasers, and the armed forces have ordered 23 such systems. DRDO is also developing DEWs with higher power.

Domestic private firms are partnering with foreign companies for advanced anti-drone solutions. For example, U.S. company Anduril Industries and Indian Mahindra Group are collaborating to co-produce an AI-enabled counter-UAS.

Other Key Points

The Army still relies heavily on older air defence systems.

Conflicts such as those in Armenia-Azerbaijan, Israel-Hamas, and Russia-Ukraine have highlighted the increasing threat from drones.

There is an emphasis on developing and deploying effective counter-drone systems, including jamming, spoofing, blinding systems, and laser-based DEWs.

Zen Technologies has launched AI-powered anti-drone system called Vyomkavach designed to neutralize rogue UAV threats.

The Indian Army has deployed anti-drone systems along the Line of Control (LoC) to thwart infiltration attempts.

The DRDO will unveil a laser-based directed energy weapon during the Republic Day Parade 2025.

TNN


In A Major ‘Make In India’ Boost: Ordnance Equipment Factory Develops Sukhoi Su-30MKI Brake Parachute Safety Mechanism System

The Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) in Hazratpur, Firozabad, is set to manufacture brake parachutes for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, a significant step towards boosting indigenous defence production.

The brake parachute system for the Su-30 fighter jet is a crucial safety mechanism designed to decelerate the aircraft during landing, preventing runway overruns. It ensures safe stopping distances in both routine and emergency conditions, particularly for high-speed aircraft like the Su-30MKI4. The system is deployed at a velocity between 180 km/h and 300 km/h.

Upon deployment, an auxiliary parachute extracts the pack cover and main parachute from the container. The inflated main parachute produces drag, which reduces the speed of the aircraft, in turn shortening the landing run. The brake parachute is made of Fabric Nylon 66 and has a surface area of 50 sqm. The system is intended to reduce the aircraft landing run length after an aborted take-off.

Until now, India had relied on Russian suppliers for these parachutes, making the aircraft’s sustainment dependent on external sources. This technology transfer marks a major step toward self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers.

DRDO has transferred the technology to manufacture Su-30 brake parachutes to OEF Hazratpur. The transfer of technology (ToT) occurred at the Aero India 2025 event in Bangalore.

OEF Hazratpur, a unit of DPSU TCL (defence public sector undertaking, Troop Comforts Ltd), received the ToT to manufacture Su-30 brake parachutes from DRDO. OEF Hazratpur has been a key player in manufacturing specialized defence parachutes and aerial delivery systems and has collaborated with DRDO on multiple projects.

The brake parachute system is a crucial safety mechanism designed to decelerate fighter aircraft during landing, preventing runway overruns. It ensures safe stopping distances in both routine and emergency conditions, particularly for high-speed aircraft such as the Su-30MKI.

The technology transfer is expected to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to boost indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Besides OEF, two private firms – Oriental Weaving & Processing Mill Pvt Ltd (Navi Mumbai) and Kohli Enterprises (Gurugram) – also received ToT for bulk production of brake parachutes for Su-30.

The IAF is expected to place an order for Made in India brake parachutes worth ₹500 crore for Su-30MKI

OEFHZ will also export brake parachutes for a Southeast Asian country, with an export order worth USD 65,000 for its Su-30 fleet.

OEF Hazratpur operates under Troop Comforts Limited (TCL) and is committed to strengthening India’s defense self-reliance through cutting-edge technology. They are also producing arrester barriers for aircraft safety and exploring drone advancements for surveillance and logistics.

OEF Hazratpur introduced a Multi-Spectral Camouflage Net at Aero India 2025, enhancing concealment across visual, infrared (IR), and radar frequencies.

The brake parachute is designed to reduce the aircraft landing run length after an aborted take-off. It is made of Fabric Nylon 66 and has a surface area of 50 sqm.

IT News


F-35 For India: Why Trump’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Jet Offer Could Be A Double Edged Sword

India’s consideration of the F-35 fighter jet, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer, presents a complex scenario that requires careful evaluation of strategic, economic, and operational factors.

urn:uuid:43766a1c-f55d-416e-ba0c-c3fa4f4d6444

The offer comes amid strengthening defence ties between India and the United States, with both nations aiming to enhance military cooperation across various domains. Trump has committed to increasing military sales to India significantly, which includes the potential provision of F-35 stealth fighters. However, this proposal is still in its preliminary stages, as no formal acquisition process has been initiated yet.

Acquiring the F-35 could draw India deeper into the U.S. sphere of influence, potentially compromising its strategic autonomy. Historically, India has opted for Russian and French aircraft over American ones due to concerns about operational independence and geopolitical pressures.

The introduction of the F-35 could hinder India’s own fifth-generation fighter project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which has been under development with significant investments. Ensuring that this indigenous program is not adversely affected is crucial for India’s long-term defence capabilities.

The offer has raised concerns in Pakistan, which views the potential deal as a threat to regional stability. Pakistan’s officials have urged the international community to consider the implications of advanced military technology transfers to India.

What are the economic aspects of acquiring the F-35 are multifaceted?

The F-35 program has faced criticism for its high costs and performance issues. Maintenance and lifecycle costs are significant considerations that India must evaluate against its budgetary constraints.

The extent of technology transfer associated with the F-35 deal is uncertain. India will need to assess what technologies it would receive and how they would integrate with its existing systems.

Operational Challenges

The F-35 is lauded for its advanced capabilities, including stealth features and network-centric warfare capabilities. However, it also presents operational challenges:

The aircraft has been plagued by high maintenance costs and reliability concerns, which could impact operational readiness for the Indian Air Force (IAF) already struggling with a limited number of fighter squadrons.

The IAF must consider how well the F-35 would integrate with its current fleet and operational doctrines, especially in light of threats from adversaries like China, which has deployed advanced aircraft near Indian borders.

The China-Russia-Pakistan Factor

The potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets by India could significantly impact its relationships with other countries, especially China and Russia.

China

If India acquires the F-35, China may perceive it as a direct challenge to its air superiority in the region, as China is rapidly upgrading its air force with the J-20 stealth fighter. Acquiring F-35s would enable India to conduct deep-penetration strikes inside enemy territory, including most of China, while maintaining operational stealth, which could worry Beijing. China might view the F-35 deal as part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russia

Buying the F-35 could create tensions between New Delhi and Moscow, as Russia has traditionally been India’s main weapons supplier. If India decides to buy the F-35, it might have to rethink its dependence on Russian weapons because the U.S. could impose sanctions, or India could face difficulties in making American and Russian defence systems work together smoothly. Russia is already providing India with the S-400 air defence system, which has previously caused concerns in Washington.

Pakistan

Pakistan has raised concerns that the transfer of advanced military technologies to India could affect military balance and strategic stability in South Asia. If India gets the F-35, Pakistan might respond by strengthening its military partnership with China or acquiring more advanced Chinese J-31 stealth fighters to maintain balance.

While the prospect of acquiring F-35 fighter jets offers potential enhancements to India’s air combat capabilities, it necessitates a thorough evaluation of strategic autonomy, economic implications, and operational readiness. India’s decision-making process must weigh these factors carefully to ensure that any move aligns with its broader defence objectives and regional security considerations.

IDN


Army post in Poonch comes under fire

Our Correspondent Jammu, February 16 Amid frequent reports of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region, an Army post in the Poonch area came under fire on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Gulpur sector,…

Our Correspondent

Jammu, February 16

Amid frequent reports of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region, an Army post in the Poonch area came under fire on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the Gulpur sector, when bullets were fired towards the Army post from across the border. In response, Indian soldiers also opened fire towards the source of the attack. This marks yet another instance of Indian soldiers coming under fire from across the border.

Sources said that it was not immediately clear whether the Pakistan army was behind the firing, or it was terrorists hiding in the forests and waiting for an opportunity to sneak in.

The Army had recently assured that the ceasefire along the LoC remained intact. In response to media reports, the Army stated, “No exchange of fire of heavy-calibre weapons has taken place. Minor incidents are not unprecedented along the LoC.”

Sources indicated that there was no reported damage on the Indian side following Sunday’s cross-border firing.


Manipur’s troubles deeper than political fixes

The government has responded by sending even more forces, but the situation is not under its full control.

Finally, the BJP and, through it, the Government of India have taken some decisive steps towards sorting out the mess in Manipur in the recent past. The government first posted a seasoned bureaucrat as the Governor of the state, then it asked Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, where the BJP was ruling, to step down and four days later, on February 13, it imposed President’s rule in the state.

All these steps were taken quickly, in conjunction. But they had been long overdue. The BJP and, hence, the BJP government in the state had been hoping against hope that the matters would get sorted by the feeble steps that the government had taken since the start of the violence in the state on May 3, 2023.

The long strife continued almost unabated, with a few short periods of lull in between. It has led to very strained relations between the Meities and the Kukis. The problem got aggravated due to many other factors, too, which had serious implications from various corners.

Two factors were holding the BJP back from taking firm action: the fact that we are a democracy; and that the ruling party at the Centre was the same as that in the state. Putting such a state under President’s rule would be an embarrassment for the party as it would mean a censure of its own functioning.

Additionally, the party could not find a successor CM who was acceptable to all.

However, the ruling party has now bit the bullet. It is better late than never.

Looking ahead, a lot of work is needed to be done. First, let us look at the genesis of the problem to help tackle it.

The military junta in Myanmar does not have full control over the entire territory of its country, especially in the areas bordering Manipur. Many groups in these areas are fighting their government and even have control over some parts.

Also, due to the violence, the international drug trade from the infamous Golden Triangle, primarily through Moreh town and the area of Manipur, was suffering as the areas under opium cultivation there had reduced or were not increasing. Many Kuki and related tribes had started crossing over to Manipur, mainly in the Churachandpur area, which is dominated by the Kukis, with the help of their local kith and kin. They started growing opium in Manipur. Locals also joined them in this lucrative cultivation.

When this came to the notice of the state government, action was taken to identify the illegal immigration. Locals, supported by powerful international drug lords loaded with tons of money, resisted this action.

They wanted to put the government on the back foot. To their good luck — and bad luck for the state — an order by the Manipur High Court on the request of Meiteis to be given the Scheduled Tribe status gave them a reason to create trouble by misinterpreting that order.

The order, dated March 27, 2023, stated that “the state shall consider the case of the petitioners for inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, expeditiously….” It was only an order for consideration of the plea and not for giving the ST status to the Meiteis. But the Kukis deliberately misrepresented it, saying that the Meiteis had been given the ST status.

Though this paragraph was later deleted by the high court, the damage had been done. Both sides started taking out rallies, some violence also erupted and blockades and counter-blockades by the two communities came up. The Meiteis are from the valley side and the Kukis and other related tribes from the hills. The situation worsened. It turned so bad that people from the valley could not go to Churachandpur and vice versa.

The Kukis demanded a separate administration. They did not want the Meiteis to have the ST status as they felt it would affect their job quota and also enable the Meiteis to legitimately buy land in the hills. So, a kind of full-scale civil war between the two communities erupted, with violence leading to loss of lives and displacement of people from both sides.

It is alleged that drug lords, with their deep pockets, have played an important role in fuelling this situation. Soon, the government and its machinery were overwhelmed by the violence.

Unfortunately, such a division between the two communities also spread to the government, including the police, to some extent. It made the situation worse. Criminals and dormant insurgent groups also jumped into the fray, and the result was a total breakdown of the government machinery. Police stations and armouries, too, were attacked and more than 5,000 weapons looted. There are also allegations that many weapons were handed over by the police due to fear or complicity.

Such a large number of weapons in the hands of undesirable elements and violent groups is a big threat to the state. Hardly one-fourth of these weapons has been recovered. To make the matters worse, the Kuki groups even use drones to spread violence. They obviously have a lot of support.

Countries like China, Pakistan and Bangladesh have their own vested interests in the region and have tried to fish in the troubled waters. The Myanmar situation is also a big factor.

The government has responded by sending even more forces, but the situation is not under its full control.

So, the task is cut out now for the President’s rule authorities. Their priority should be to stop the violence and get the looted weapons back. A lot of work needs to be done simultaneously.

The main tasks include investigating cases, putting the state economy on rails, restoring harmony and peace between the communities, rehabilitating the displaced, tackling illegal immigrants, having an impartial police and bureaucracy, sealing the border with Myanmar to stop illegal migration and smuggling of drugs and weapons, thwarting the ill designs of foreign countries and restoring the political process.

Let’s hope that peace is achieved soon. This beautiful state in the North-East deserves peace and happiness not only for its own sake but also for India.


Poonch: Where borders, heritage meet

The neglect and lack of meaningful conservation has stripped Poonch of its soul, leaving its heritage unrecognisably altered

Saima Iqbal

My first visit to Poonch, a sleepy border town tucked in the picturesque Pir Panjal hills of western Jammu and Kashmir, was in November 2005. The town was still reeling from the devastating earthquake that had struck in October that year. As part of an INTACH team tasked with assessing the damage to cultural heritage in the region, our mission spanned Poonch, Jammu and Reasi. The journey was sombre, our hearts heavy as we documented destruction, took photographs, and interviewed locals who were trying to rebuild their lives.

The journey to Poonch was arduous, winding through rugged terrain and damaged roads. By the time we arrived, the sun had set, casting a fiery orange glow over the hills — a breathtaking contrast to the devastation around us. The next morning revealed the full scale of the earthquake’s destruction. Buildings lay in rubble, and families sifted through debris, salvaging what they could. Yet, amid the ruins, the rich architectural heritage of Poonch stood as a quiet proof to its once-thriving past. Poonch has endured not one but two monumental tragedies — the Partition of 1947, which split the region into ‘Indian Poonch’ and ‘Pakistan Poonch’, and the 2005 earthquake.

Despite its tragic history, Poonch’s heritage speaks volumes about its vibrant past. As a jagir, Poonch flourished during the reign of Raja Moti Singh, whose vision brought significant architectural development to the region. Poonch boasts of a number of prominent buildings such as the Poonch Fort, Bagh Deodi, the Town Hall, and several aristocratic bungalows, bearing the title of ‘mahal’ — all reflecting an architectural blend of Kashmiri, colonial and vernacular influences.

During our assessment, we traversed the entire old city and while the Poonch Fort stood out, the one building that left a lasting impression was the Town Hall. Built as a multipurpose cultural space in the late 19th century, it hosted cultural performances before falling into decline post-Partition, serving as a grain storage facility and partly as a municipality office. Its grand papier mache ceiling and ornate jharokas hinted at its former glory, but the earthquake had damaged it substantially.

Town Hall

We also visited the Saran, or serai, a sprawling complex and a cultural hub for traders before 1947. After Partition, it became a refuge for displaced families, many of whom still live there. Over time, the grand complex was divided into smaller units.

Another fascinating site was the Moti Mahal. Built in 1926 by Raja Sukhdev Singh, its tall circular towers and steep roofs resemble Scottish manor houses. Located near the Garhi Jungle, the Raja’s private hunting grounds, the palace grounds boast of 200-year-old trees and exotic birds. Post-Partition, the palace became the headquarters of Brig Pritam Singh’s 93 Brigade.

Apart from these grand buildings, the vernacular architecture of Poonch also stood out. Traditional houses featured central courtyards, ornate gateways, carved eaves and intricate wooden porticos, illustrating the skill of local craftsmen and taste of the builders. The town was also once a bustling trading hub, as demonstrated by the now-dilapidated Syndicate Building. Constructed between 1896 and 1898, it served as a business centre, primarily for cloth merchants. During Partition, it became a refuge for displaced families. The surrounding area, once a thriving wholesale textile market, now bears little resemblance to its former self.

As we supervised the partial restoration of the fort, I made several visits to Poonch and forged lasting connections with its people. Their stories of Partition were both heart-wrenching and inspiring. One such story came from a family forced to leave their home during Partition. Decades later, visitors from Pakistan sought them out. As the families met, the mother asked if their farm, fruit trees and the baolis still existed. To her amazement, the visitors confirmed that they did. Upon returning to Pakistan, they sent water from the baolis and fruits from the farm as a gesture of goodwill — a poignant reminder of shared heritage and community bond.

Another emotional moment was standing at Zero Line, the last checkpost near the LoC. From there, I could see twinkling evening lights of villages on the Pakistan side. There was something sad about these villages that were all part of the same cultural and geographical landscape up until 1947.Poonch, despite its tragedies, remains a town of resilience, rich in heritage and human spirit. While it retains its picturesque charm amid verdant mountains and terraced fields, its historic fabric is rapidly diminishing, overshadowed by hybridised modern constructions. The neglect and lack of meaningful conservation efforts have stripped Poonch of its soul, leaving its heritage unrecognisably altered and its stories fading into oblivion.

— The writer is Principal Conservation Architect, INTACH, J&K