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The name “Shatrujeet” means “The conqueror of enemies” in Hindi, and it reflects the Indian Army’s determination to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Shatrujeet Brigade, also known as the 50th Parachute Brigade, has a long and distinguished history in the Indian Army. The brigade was initially raised on 29th October 1941 as part of the British Indian Army and was assigned to the 44th Indian Airborne Division.
The Brigade fought countless encounters during British rule and took part in numerous military operations.
Today, the Shatrujeet Brigade is one of the most elite units in the Indian Army and is renowned for its expertise in airborne operations. The brigade is composed of three battalions of paratroopers, as well as supporting units such as artillery, engineers, and logistics. It is headquartered in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and remains ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to defend India’s borders and interests.
During World War II, the brigade saw action in Burma, conducting several airborne operations against the Japanese. After the war, the brigade was disbanded, but it was re-raised in 1946 as part of the Indian Army.
Since then, the brigade has participated in several conflicts and operations. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the brigade was deployed to the northeast of India to defend against a Chinese invasion. It played a significant role in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani Wars, particularly during the Battle of Longewala in 1971.
In the 1980s, the brigade was deployed to Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force, where it conducted operations against Tamil separatist rebels. The brigade played a crucial role in the Kargil War in 1999, where it was involved in several operations to recapture strategic peaks that Pakistani troops had occupied.
Major Operations Conducted by this Regiment
Indo-Pakistan War of 1947- 48:
The 50th Parachute Brigade saw extensive action in the Kashmir operations of 1947-48. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd battalions of the Parachute Regiment each won a battle honor in their respective sectors.
Goa Annexation of 1961:
The second major accomplishment was the annexation of Goa in the year 1961. The regiment was sent to reinforce the 17th Infantry Division; the red devils maneuvered across minefields, roadblocks, and four riverine, and the paratroops became the liberators of Goa.
Indo- Pakistan War of 1971:
The liberation of Bangladesh was speeded up with the help of the para regiment. The brigade executed major operations on both the Indian eastern and western sectors.
Operation Cactus:
In 1988, in a swift, efficient, and precise foreign intervention, the paratroopers were able to suppress a military coup in the Maldives
1999 Kargil War:
The battalions of the brigade were positioned in the Mushkoh Valley sector to clear enemy intrusions from the section. The regiment also won a COAS (The Chief of Army Staff) citation for exemplary performance in the region.
We always acknowledge the armed forces’ role in maintaining a country’s security and sovereignty. The Indian Army, like any other military organization, has made significant sacrifices and contributions to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
“ JAI HIND”