Ex-servicemen turn nostalgic
Tribune News Service

Jhangar-Nowshera (Rajouri), July 4
It was a nostalgic moment not only for the relatives of Brig Muhammad Usman, but also for the ex-servicemen who saw him fight.

“I am feeling emotional. But I am very proud about the achievement of my maternal uncle. This day has a great meaning for us. But what makes it more pleasant today is that the Vice-President attended the function and unveiled his bust,” said Sayida Fayaz-ud-Din, niece of Brig Usman, with tears in her eyes. Sayida along with her husband Col M. Fayaz-ud-Din (retd), had come all the way from Lucknow, to attend the memorial function of her maternal uncle.

“My message to the countrymen is that just be united and forget all differences of region, religion etc,” Col Fayaz-ud-Din said while addressing mediapersons.

“It could never have been a bigger, emotional and sentimental feeling than today when we physically visited this place. Comparatively, it is a great educational and sentimental visit for us, especially for my wife who is a niece of Brig Usman,” he said.

Bal Sainiks who had worked for the Army under Brig Usman too turned emotional at the function. “It is a very emotional moment for all members of the Bal Saina, which was formed by Brig Sahib himself. What a brave soldier he was? We all salute his courage, heroism and sacrifice for the motherland,” said 75-year-old Honorary Captain Moti Ram, who hails from Nowshera here. “I stand witness to his death. Till the last moment, Brig Usman fought valiantly before an artillery shell hit him. If he had not achieved martyrdom, the Army would have even captured Kotli and Mirpur.