Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Battle of Badgam" in English language version.
bodies of over 300 tribesmen were counted
Here they successfully raided and dispersed an Indian infantry company inflicting in the process an extremely heavy loss on the Indians in terms of men killed including the Indian Company commander Major Somnath Sharma18.
The gallant actions of Maj Sharma and his men from 4 KUMAON successfully blunted the attack by the Pakistani raiders and provided the much needed time for the Indian Army to fortify defences around Srinagar, thus, enabling India to prevent Kashmir from falling into the hands of the enemy.
Lastly, though Major Somnath was martyred along with many of his comrades, he did not allow the tribals to move forward and capture the airstrip at Badgam, and thus Kashmir was saved from going into the hands of Pakistan.
By the time the relief company reached Badgam, their position was lost. However, the 200 casualties suffered by the raiders, slowed their advance, buying time for Indian troops to fly into Srinagar airfield and block all routes to Srinagar. It can be said that Major Somnath Sharma played a pivotal role in preventing the fall of Srinagar and perhaps even Kashmir.
Pakistani infiltrators were only 50 yards away when Major Somnath Sharma sent his iconic last message to the Brigade Headquarters. "We are heavily outnumbered... I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man," he said. Major Somnath Sharma died for the country on this day in 1947, while fighting infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir.
Here they successfully raided and dispersed an Indian infantry company inflicting in the process an extremely heavy loss on the Indians in terms of men killed including the Indian Company commander Major Somnath Sharma18.
