Parachute Regiment (Indian Army)

The Parachute Regiment is the main airborne and special forces regiment of the Indian Army. Wikipedia says it was first formed on 1 March 1945 in the British Indian Army and disbanded later that year, then re-raised on 15 April 1952 by absorbing the three parachute battalions of the 50th Parachute Brigade, which came from the Punjab Regiment, the Maratha Light Infantry and the Kumaon Regiment. It now has fifteen regular special forces battalions, one Rashtriya Rifles battalion and two Territorial Army battalions.

Its parent formation: The 50th Parachute Brigade fought in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 and 1948, at Shelatang, Naushera, Jhangar and Poonch. Its commander, Mohammad Usman, was killed on 3 July 1948 and received the Maha Vir Chakra after his death.

Its part in this history: The regiment matters here for two reasons. The first is Major General Shahbeg Singh. SinghStation says that after Partition, when the regiments were reorganised, he joined the parachute brigade as a paratrooper and served in the 1st para battalion until 1959. In 1984 he planned the defence of Sri Harmandir Sahib and died in Operation Blue Star. The second is Blue Star itself. Wikipedia's account of the plan for the night of 5 to 6 June 1984 has 1 Para Commandos attacking from the main entrance with the 10th Guards and the Special Frontier Force, and trying to gain a foothold in the Akal Takht and Sri Harmandir Sahib with the help of divers.

Key moments

• 1 March 1945: the regiment is first formed.
• 1947 and 1948: the 50th Parachute Brigade fights in Kashmir.
• 15 April 1952: the regiment is re-raised.
• 1950s: Shahbeg Singh serves in the 1st para battalion until 1959.
• 5 and 6 June 1984: 1 Para Commandos are part of the army's attack plan at the Darbar Sahib complex.

Where it stands: The regiment is today the Indian Army's main airborne and special forces regiment, with the battalions counted above.