Chandigarh, 01 September(Wishav Warta): Punjab government has declared holiday on 12 September in the memories of battle of Saragarhi. Government has directed that all the government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on that day. The Battle of Saragarhi was fought before the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army and Pashtun Orakzai tribesmen. It occurred in the North-West Frontier Province.
The British Indian contingent comprised 21 Sikhs of the 36th Sikhs (now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment), who were stationed at an army post attacked by around 10,000 Afghans. The Sikhs, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, chose to fight to the death, in what is considered by some military historians as one of history’s greatest last-stands. The post was recaptured two days later by another British Indian contingent.
Sikh military personnel commemorate the battle every year on 12 September, as Saragarhi Day.
