GHAZIPUR: The family members of Param Vir Chakra awardee Abdul Hamid have expressed strong displeasure over the removal of the war hero’s name from the main gate of a primary school in Ghazipur where he once studied.
After a recent painting work, the school in Dhamupur village in the district was renamed ‘PM Shri Composite School’, according to officials.
Jameel Ahmed, the grandson of Hamid, said the school was repainted four days ago. ‘PM Shri Composite School’ was painted at the entrance, replacing ‘Shaheed Hamid Vidyalaya’, he added.
During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Hamid, displaying extraordinary bravery, he was decorated with Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award during war time.
CITATION (Ministry of Defence)
No. 2639985 Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, 4 GRENADIERS (Posthumous) (Effective date of award- 10 September 1965)
At 0800 hours on 10 September 1965, Pakistani forces launched an attack with a regiment of Patton tanks on a vital area ahead of village Chima on the Bhikhiwind road in the Khem Karan Sector.
The attack was preceded by intense artillery shelling. The enemy tanks penetrated the forward position by 0900 hours. Realising the grave situation, Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, who was commander of a recoilless gun detachment, moved out to a flanking position, with his gun mounted on a jeep, under intense enemy shelling and tank fire.
Taking an advantageous position, he knocked out the leading enemy tank, and then swiftly changing his position he sent another tank up in flames. By this time the enemy tanks in the area spotted him and brought his jeep under concentrated machine gun and high explosive fire. Undeterred, Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid kept on firing on yet another enemy tank from his recoilless gun. While so doing he was mortally wounded by an enemy high explosive shell.
Havildar Abdul Hamid’s brave action inspired his comrades to put up a gallant fight and to beat back the heavy tank assault by the enemy. His complete disregard of his personal safety during the operation and his sustained act of bravery in the face of constant enemy fire were a shining example not only to his unit but to the whole division and were in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
With inputs from PTI