On September 10, 1965, Veer Abdul Hamid was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery and sacrifice.
Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh: In a controversial move, Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur Education Department changed the name of a government school in Dhampur village to PM Shri Composite Vidyalaya Dhamupur. The school was previously named after 1965 war hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee, Veer Abdul Hamid.
The decision received severe backlash, including from family members of the martyr and opposition political party leaders, slamming the decision as “reprehensible” and “an insult” to the memory of the war hero.
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Who Is Veer Abdul Hamid?
Born on July 1, 1933, in Uttar Pradesh’s Dhamupur village, a 20-year-old Abdul Hamid was recruited in the army at Varanasi in 1954. He was posted to the 4th Battalion of the Grenadiers regiment.
He played a crucial role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, specifically in the Asal Uttar battle. Pakistan had acquired the famous Patton tanks from America and attacked a strategic location near Cheema village in the Khem Karan sector between September 9 and 10 in 1965. The 4th Battalion of the Grenadiers regiment was posted at the site.
Around midnight, Hamid led the Jongo-mounted recoilless rifle (RCLR) detachment of his battalion, which held fire until a 30-foot tank was hit by Hamid. The Pakistani soldiers fled. Hamid hit another tank.
The Pakistanis made armoured attacks till 2:30 pm. As evening approached, Hamid had knocked out four tanks with his RCL gun. A total of 13 tanks had been destroyed by the battalion.
In the morning of 10 September, another wave of tanks approached them, with increased artillery support. He proceeded to destroy two more tanks. When a seventh tank approached, Hamid fired at it as the tank fired back at him, killing him. The battle ended with India achieving victory.
On September 10, 1965, Hamid was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the face of constant enemy fire and sacrificing his life for his country. The site of his death is now part of a war memorial where a captured Pakistani Patton tank stands with its turrets down – sign of tribute for the Indian soldiers who laid their lives down in the Asal Uttar battle.
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“An Insult”: Hamid’s Grandson
The martyr’s grandson, Jamil Alam, expressed his discontent and filed an official complaint with the Basic Education Officer (BSA), requesting immediate interventions, according to Amar Ujala. He described the move as an insult to the martyr.
BSA Ghazipur officer Hemant Rao, however, claimed that the name of Shaheed Veer Abdul Hameed has not been officially recorded in school documents. Rao further said that he would personally visit the school and investigate the matter.
Backlash over the move: “A Mockery of the History of the Country”
Bhim Army Chief and MP Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan demanded a public apology from the UP education department and restoration of the name of the school to ensure “the honour of the martyrs is upheld.”
“Changing the name of the school established in the name of Param Vir Chakra winner Veer Abdul is not only reprehensible but also an insult to the supreme sacrifice of a great warrior. This act not only hurts the honour of the martyrs but also raises questions on our national sentiment and gratitude towards the brave soldiers,” he said.
Ajay Rai, President of the UP Congress Committee, criticised the decision, which made “a mockery of the history of the country.”
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“After all, what enmity does this government have with great men? A few days ago, they changed the name of Sampurnanand Sports Complex, now they have changed the name of the school running in the name of Veer Abdul Hameed. After all, why is this game being played?” he added.
देश के लिए अपनी सर्वोच्च बलिदान करने वाले वीर अब्दुल हमीद के नाम पर स्थापित स्कूल का नाम बदला जाना देश के इतिहास के साथ खिलवाड़ है।
आखिर इस सरकार को महापुरुषों से क्या दुश्मनी है? कुछ दिन पहले इन्होंने सम्पूर्णानन्द स्पोर्ट्स काम्प्लेक्स का नाम बदला था, अब वीर अब्दुल हमीद के नाम… pic.twitter.com/D5hsqU0WcW
— Ajay Rai🇮🇳 (@kashikirai) February 16, 2025
