The war.
The strain of relationship between adjacent countries ,causes military and political diturbance. If a country decide to settle the issue militarily then the casualities that arises out of the conflict can be multy,and will not be confined to soldiers alone.Take for example the "Indo-Pak war"of 1965.
The "Indo -Pak war "1965 was a long term preparation by Pakistan starting in April 1965 at "Kutch-Rajasthan border.In the middle of March 1965 ,the recently commissioned 2 l/t Ganesan , was granted annual leave of 2 months and he left his unit in UP-Tibet border and reached home Sannanallur,in Tiruvarur Dt. He was very much exited to meet his friends and went to Pamban-Rameswaram,to share his happiness of entering to an unexplored field called "Indian Army ".All his friends got together, shared a bottle of whisky and enjoyed.
In the evening,when they were casually turned the Radio (no T V in the village ) there was news about Pakistan aggression in Kutch and Indian Army alerted.Annual leave of all Army personnel were cancelled and were asked to report to their unit forth with.
It was shocking news for Ganesan. He cut short the trip and immediately rushed home.By that time a telegram also was received.He reached chennai central station
Thousand and thousands of of military personnel were lyeing in uniform and civil dress in all the platforms.Special Military trains were moving from chennai to Bombay,Delhi,and Calcutta side frequently.With just one year of service and zero military background Ganesan was thrilled to see the mobilization of Army and how the country was raising to meet the situation. Ganesan got into Delhi bound train and there were 12 persons in a four berth First class compartment. It was almost like nonstop journey,and Ganesan reached Tanakpur,the terminal railway station to his location.Entire Uttar pradesh was full of civil trucks carrying military personnel and their equipment.The total military units have moved to western India.In that chaos Ganesan ran helter shelter to find out his unit.Finally he met them at Bareilly Railway station about to move to western sector.
By that time alarming news were coming about Kutch operation and Indian Army's defence preparations. Ganesan's 6 Mountain Division was placed as Army Headquarter reserve,and was preparing to punch any where in western sector.
On 05 Aug 1965 ,the captured Pak infiltrators revealed greater operation by Pak Army and Indian Army was fully prepared to meet the challenge.Maj Gen S K Kurla,an officer who was introduced to Field Marshal Slim,during 2nd world war as the best company commander in South East Asia was the GOC of 6 Mtn Div.
As expected the Indo Pak war of 1965 broke out on 01 Sep 65.All over Punjab troops movement was taking place as the situation changes.6 Div was to launch offensive in Maharajke area near Samba.As the units moved forward,Ganesan was left at Ambala to load heavy machineries like Dozer by rail and then join the unit.
Having finished that job Ganesan was rushing to Jammu to catch up with his unit in a 1 ton Nissan.It was 5 th September,Ganesan was entering Pathankot area.Suddenly there was Air raid alarm and troops were running towards cover. Ganesan and his driver stopped the vehicle and ran to side seeking cover. Ganesan changed his position for better cover and ran here and there.Suddenly there was a burst of fire and thundering sound.Before one could realise the situation,Ganesan fell to the ground with terrible pain on right leg near toe.The air alarm was givinig clear signal,and soldiers got up from here and there and resumed their activities.
Ganesan's driver came running to him as he was still lying on ground.He could not stand as severe pain was there.Driver helped him to remove the boot.As he stood up a jet of blood sprayed from the toe.A big bandage was put and they moved to trace the unit.At the outskirt of Pathankot,a rear was established and all heavy loads were left and units were moving forward. Ganesan met his company commander,and as per his advice reported to M H Pathankot. There it was diagnised that a splinter had hit Ganesan and he had sustained fracture of bone just above toe. Ganesan was admitted in MH and the driver left to join the unit.
War was on full swing as Pak has dropped paratroops and blown off few aircrafts from Pathankot Air base. It was 9 th Sep 65. Pathankot MH was asked to clear all casualities who could stand train journey.So a causality train was arranged. Ganesan was one amongst about 2500 war causalities.
Injury,disability and death are the the rewards to those who took up soldiering to protect the safety,honour and integrity of this country.But there are psychological casualities. These are soldiers who broke down on seeing their colleagues shattering to pieces on direct hit by Artillery shell.Lose of limbs,injuries of different kind and disability for the rest of the life are the war casualities with whom Ganesan was in the train for about 4 days.
As war was going on full swing ,the casuality train started late night from Pathankot and started moving slowly without light.By the time we reached Delhi,all hospitals were full as war casualities had come from Amritsar and Ferospore. So our train was directed to Lucknow. Ganesan was admitted to M H Lucknow.But as the war continued casualties were pouring in.So the M H authorities decided to send maximum soldiers on sick leave and requwsted them to report to near by M H on expiry of sick leave.Ganesan reached Chennai on 17 Sep 1965,the day cease fire was announced by both India and Pakistan.
With one leg on plaster,Ganesan travelled in bus and train and reached his native place Sannanallur. Almost entire village felt that Ganesan had lost one leg in the war and condolences were pouring on. Ganesan was feeling proud and also pitty on the ignorance of the people.
He reported to M H Madras on expiry of sick leave. The plaster was removed and Ganesan was declared medically fit.When the 1965 Diwali came Ganesan was in MH Madras.He wanted to visit his village and show his both legs.But he was not given leave.Ganesan stealthily left hospital and came back after two days.By that time hell was let loose as per Army procedure. He was declared a "Deserter " and Army HQ and Police were informed.When Ganesan reported back disciplinary action was initiated.He was marched to Commandant LT Col Venkatachalam. After hearing his war stories ,the Commandant took pity on him and sent him back to his unit on the same day.What a miracle. ? War causalities are only to report to the Training centres.
Ganesan reached his unit which was deployed in Sialkot sector,after their victory in the war and occupying maximum area in enemy country.
Ganesan was awarded "Wound Medal -1965.
