September 1, 1965: A Historic Day in the 1965 War

The September 1965 war began after growing tensions between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. India had been increasing military pressure along the Pakistani border since April 1965.

On September 1, Indian authorities in Kanpur arrested seven Pakistani citizens despite them having valid legal documents. Pakistan also warned India against further aggression along the Kashmir ceasefire line.

On the same day, four Indian Vampire fighter jets launched an attack on Pakistani forces and air defences near Chhamb. The alert Pakistani forces responded quickly and shot down all four aircraft.

One Indian pilot survived and entered Pakistani territory by parachute. He was taken as a prisoner of war. Pakistan Air Force chief Air Marshal Nur Khan was reportedly a witness to the incident.

Following the loss of the aircraft, India withdrew around 130 Vampire fighter jets deployed near the Pakistani border.

Indian forces also tried to increase military pressure in areas including Rajouri, Poonch, Sonamarg and Srinagar. Pakistani forces resisted the attacks and defended their positions.