The Sikhs of Lam Qila Darhal have a long history of bravery and sacrifice, defending their land and people against Pakistani aggression since 1947. Their legacy is one of awe-inspiring valour and unwavering dedication to the defence of their nation.
These Sikhs held the frontlines from September 4 to October 28, 1947, until the arrival of the Indian Army. On October 28, 1947, a fierce battle took place in the area of Darhal Fort, where the enemy faced a resounding defeat. However, it came at a cost, as ten brave Sikhs laid down their lives, and thus, October 28 is commemorated as ‘Shaheedgarh Diwas’ in their honour.
Their dedication and sacrifice continued as they fought alongside the Army in subsequent wars in 1965 and 1971, as well as during the peak of militancy in the 1990s. Notable acts of bravery include the sacrifice of Shaheed Pritam Singh in the capture of Lucknow in 1965 and the courageous act by Shri Bachittar Singh, who singlehandedly eliminated a militant in September 2000. To honour the exemplary sacrifices of the Sikhs of Qila-Darhal, a War Memorial was constructed at Shaheedgarh in 1976 by Brig Raghbir Singh, then commander of the 80 Infantry Brigade. He also laid the foundation stone of the Gurudwara, which was built by civilians in 1976 with the assistance of the Indian Army. In 2006, the old War Memorial was dismantled, and the old bricks were recycled for the new War Memorial as a mark of homage to the martyrs and in respect of the sentiments of the local population. It was inaugurated on October 26, 2006, followed by a memorial service and a community lunch on October 28, 2006.
The twelve-foot-high marble and granite superstructure on a four-foot-high platform of thirty feet bears the names of all Army personnel and civilians who achieved martyrdom in the areas of Jhangar and Lam since Independence. In 2021, to honour the Bravehearts of Qila Darhal, 54 Rashtriya Rifles carried out the renovation of the War Memorial by adding a seating gallery to the existing memorial, preserving their heroic legacy.
