NEW DELHI: In a transfer to advertise heritage tourism and reconnect locals with the area’s army legacy, the Military’s Golden Arrow Division has opened the historic Ferozepur Fort to the general public for the primary time in over two centuries.The fort is situated close to the Indo-Pakistan border and was inaugurated by the Military as a part of a broader initiative to protect nationwide heritage and encourage accountable tourism in border areas.“The reopening of Ferozepur Fort not only reconnects the region with its storied past but also reaffirms its identity as a symbol of valour, resilience and national pride, firmly placing it on Punjab’s cultural and heritage tourism map,” stated Main Basic R S Manral, Basic Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Golden Arrow Division.Describing its strategic significance, Main Basic Manral added, “Strategically positioned near the Indo-Pakistan border, Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of 19th-century military architecture from the Sikh empire.” He additionally highlighted the fort’s distinctive hexagonal construction and strong defensive options as examples of “strategic ingenuity of its time.”Ferozepur Fort has a wealthy and layered historical past. As soon as a key outpost within the Sikh empire’s frontier defence community, the fort was transformed right into a British garrison in 1839 on the orders of the Duke of Wellington. Later, in 1858, the British repurposed it into a serious arsenal, establishing services resembling a powder journal, dry gun cotton retailer, and ammunition depots.The positioning performed a vital position throughout the First Struggle of Independence in 1857 and served because the mom depot for weapons, skilled animals, and logistics. At its peak, the fort housed 10,000 bullocks, an equal variety of horses, and over 150 camels. Its position as an arsenal continued till 1941, when the British relocated ammunition to Kasubegu throughout World Struggle II.Brigadier Bikram Singh, Station Commander, emphasised the fort’s emotional and historic significance. “Ferozepur holds a special place in India’s freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule,” he stated. “This fort and its surroundings have borne witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolise national pride and sacrifice.”The reopening is anticipated to spice up tourism in Punjab and in addition educate guests on India’s army previous and the independence motion.
