Jammu, October 27 (IANS): To commemorate the landing of the infantry in Jammu and Kashmir Oct 27, 1947, the army Monday celebrated the 67th Infantry Day.

A defence statement in winter capital Jammu said Monday, "Gurj Infantry Division celebrated 67th Infantry Day at Mamun Military Station Oct 27, 2014, in Jammu province.

"Major General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Gurj Infantry Division, laid a wreath at Island of Remembrance in Division Headquarters Complex.

"The ceremony was conducted with full military precision and dignity in a somber environment.

"The day has a unique significance for the Infantry, as it was on this day in 1947, that the Infantry first air landed at Srinagar and reversed the tide of a fierce battle in Kashmir that saved the state of Jammu and Kashmir from falling into the hands of marauding Pakistani mercenaries, thereby creating a legacy for independent India.

"The General Officer Commanding, in his message to the Infantry soldiers, exhorted them to carry forward the ideals true professionalism to greater heights while evolving with the changing security dynamics in the formation.

"A special Sainik Sammellan was also organised on the occasion for all ranks. General Officer Commanding interacted with the Jawans and urged them to uphold the legacy and bring more glory to this magnificent fighting arm," the statement said.