What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?
If Major Somnath Sharma and his company had not held their ground, the outcome would have been disastrous for India.
The enemy would have captured the Srinagar airfield, which was strategically vital for Indian forces. Without control of the airfield, reinforcements and supplies could not have been airlifted into Srinagar.
The Pakistani invaders would have gained control of Srinagar and the entire Kashmir Valley. This would have allowed them to control strategic mountain passes, peaks, and rivers, and potentially engineer a revolt in Kashmir.
The capture of Srinagar would have been a severe blow to newly-independent India, potentially altering the territorial boundaries and history of the region.
The chapter confirms that 'D Company's sacrifice and Major Somnath's leadership saved Srinagar for India.'
Explanation
The chapter explains the strategic importance of Badgam village, which was on higher altitude than the airfield, and access to the airfield was through the village. The citation on Page 7 explicitly states: 'But for this Offr's bravery and sacrifice of his own life it is most probable that the SIRINAGAR Airfield would have been over run by the enemy and jeopardised the whole KASHMIR operations.'
Solution Steps
Major Somnath Sharma and his company holding their ground prevented a disastrous outcome for India
The Srinagar airfield was strategically vital for airlifting reinforcements and supplies
Loss of the airfield would have enabled Pakistani invaders to capture Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley
Enemy control would have extended to strategic mountain passes, peaks, and rivers
The capture of Srinagar would have altered India's territorial boundaries and history
D Company's sacrifice and Major Somnath's leadership saved Srinagar for India