INDO-PAK WAR : 1971 LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH

No. 12/2019 December 2019AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION

INDO-PAK WAR : 1971LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH

The Battle of Hilli, one of the most decisive battles of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War), will go down in the annals of the history

of the Indian Army as one of the most ferocious battles ever fought by a gallant band of soldiers from highly motivated units. The operations comprised two battles; the first Battle of Hilli was fought from 22-24 November, and the second from 10-11 December 1971, although the final surrender by Pak Forces in the area of Hilli took place on 18 December 1971. The main objective was to capture Bogra, thereby cutting off Pakistani forces in the North from the rest of East Pakistan. The best way of reaching Bogra was through Hilli.

IndIan Forces

20 Mountain Division was led by Major General Lachhman Singh, comprising of 66 Mountain Brigade, 165 Mountain Brigade, 202 Mountain Brigade, 340 Mountain Brigade, 3 Armoured Brigade, 471 Engineer Brigade and two Artillery Brigades augmented by 33 Corps Artillery. The ground troops were aided by aerial support provided by the Indian Air Force which had acquired air superiority.

PakIstan Forces

205 Infantry Brigade of 16 Division of Pakistan Army led by Brigadier Tajammul Hussain Malik.

Major events oF the Battle

The initial plan was to capture Hilli with 202 Mountain

BATTLE OF HILLI 22 NOV – 11 DEC 1971

Brigade. The battle took place in two phases. In first phase, Morapara was captured and in phase-II Hilli was captured. After the end of the phase I, 8 GUARDS held Morapara, 22 MARATHA LI held Noapara and 5 GARHWAL RIFLES held Basudeopur. However, heavy casualities were suffered by the Division in Hilli which forced the higher Headquarter to modify plans for attacks on fortified positions. With the modified plans, 20 Mountain Division captured Durra, Bisapara, Dangapara and Hilli. The officers exhibiting exemplary leadership, led attacks in the face of murderous fire and set personal examples of unstinting courage and commitment. Young leaders at all levels displayed exceptional levels of leadership. It speaks volumes of the tenacity and fortitude of the Indian Army soldiers that despite heavy odds and fighting a protracted battle for many days emerged victorious at Hilli.

awards

lance naik albert ekkaParam Vir Chakra (Posthumous)

lieutenant colonel samsher singh Mahavir Chakra

second lieutenant ss samra Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous)

lance naik ram Ugrah Pandey Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous)

The Battle was unique in the way that it started before the official commencement of the India Pakistan war on 03 December 1971 and continued even after the formal surrender by Pakistan Army

2 Baatcheet December 2019

December 2019

From the Editor’s Desk

The Indo Pak War of 1971 is a landmark event in the rich history of the Indian Armed Forces as this war carved out an independent

and sovereign nation of Bangladesh by a finely orchestrated campaign spearheaded by Eastern Command. The war was the fall out of the oppressive political and economic policies of West Pakistan towards East Pakistan, which caused unimaginable human sufferings leading to the exodus of more than 10 million refugees into India.

The Military option was exercised only when all political and diplomatic efforts by India to resolve the issue failed. An all out war was triggered by unprovoked air strikes by Pakistan on Indian Air Bases on 03 December 1971. The synergized efforts of the Indian Armed Forces, orchestrated the collapse of Pakistan Army in a matter of 14 days. The multi-pronged thrusts by the formations of Eastern Command ably supported by Indian Air Force and an effective sea blockade by Indian Navy, forced Pakistan Army to surrender unconditionally on 16 December 1971.

Lieutenant General AAK Niazi, GOC-in-C East Pakistan Army signed the Instrument of Surrender on 16 December 1971 with Lieutenant General JS Arora, GOC-in-C Eastern Command at the Dhaka Race Course, which led to more than 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laying down their arms and surrender. Never before in the history of warfare, such large number of soldiers have surrendered, as the Pakistanis did.

Battle of Hilli (22 Nov-11 Dec 1971) .......................... 2

Chief’s Page ............................................................... 4

In Focus ..................................................................... 5

Snippets ..................................................................6-7

Indo-Pak War : 1971 ............................................. 8-9

J&K Diary ................................................................ 10

North East Diary ....................................................... 11

Communique ............................................................ 12

Welfare and Empowerment ..................................... 13

Training .................................................................... 14

Sports and Adventure .............................................. 15

Regimental Celebrations .......................................... 16

CONTACT FOR QUERIESPublisher : Additional Directorate General, Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army)Office : B-30, South Block, New Delhi - 110011 Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or www.indianarmy.gov.inFacebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpiTwitter : www.twitter.com/adgpiEditor Baatcheet Email : [email protected] PI : [email protected] PI : [email protected] (IO) : [email protected] (Media) : [email protected] (Social Media) : [email protected] IA : [email protected] No : 011-23018665, 33332 33249 (ASCON)Printer :XtremeOfficeAids(Pvt.)Ltd,ND-46 Ph : 011-45627583

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Chief of General Staff, Vietnam People’s Army & Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang called upon and interacted with General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff on 25 November 19 to discuss issues of mutual & strategic concern

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff presided over 35th Infantry Commanders’ Conference conducted at the Infantry School, Mhow from 26-28 November 2019. Conference is a biennial event aimed at taking a holistic review of operational, training and management aspects of the Infantry

Lieutenant General Walter R Koipaton, Commander, Kenyan Army interacted with General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff at South Block on 20 November 19 and discussed issues of mutual concern

Chief of the Army Staff delivered the Key Note Address at DEFCOM INDIA 2019 seminar held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi on 26 November 2019 and discussed the security challenges confronting the Nation and stressed on the need for jointness

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff visited Headquarters Southern Command on 23 November 2019 and commended all ranks for their professionalism; exhorting them to keep working with zeal and enthusiasm

Chief of the Army Staff visited Chandimandir on 22 November 2019 and urged all ranks to keep themselves abreast with latest trends in information technology, emerging threats and counter measures

CHIEF’S PAGE


IN FOCuSINTERNATIONAL DEFENCE COOPERATION

Defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of India’s diplomatic efforts and the Indian Army has remained in the forefront of these endeavours. Three major joint exercises were conducted in the month of November 2019.

exercise dharMa GUardIan 2019 : Indo - japan(Based on counter terrorism operations in jungle & urban scenario :19 October– 02 November 2019 at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte)

exercise shaktI 2019 : Indo– French(Joint exercise conducted from 01-13 November 2019 at

Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan)

exercise dUstlIk 2019: Indo-Uzbekistan(Joint exercise on counter terrorism operations under UN mandate :

04-13 November 2019 at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

5Baatcheet December 2019

SNIPPETS

Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri paid respect to the fallen soldiers and inaugurated Tawang Maitree Diwas on 14 November 2019 in the presence of Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and the Eastern Army Commander, to mark the spirit of friendship and bonhomie between the citizens of Tawang and the Indian Army.

Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms Leila Zerrougui visited the Indian Army contingents at Kitchanga, Nyanzale & Pinga in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo and lauded their efforts in maintaining peace.

Gandiv Artillery Brigade through personal contact program addressed the grievances of NOKs of Bharatpur & Dholpur regions over the last six months and felicitated NOKs on 15 November 2019 at UIT Auditorium Bharatpur for their invaluable contribution.

20 enthusiastic cadets of Sainik School Nagrota along with two teachers visited Agra on educational tour from 05-08 November 2019. The cadets had the first hand experience of witnessing Para Training, Para Motor, Rock Climbing and Firing Skills by highly professional Paratroopers.

National conference on ‘Recent Advancement in Infection Control & Vaccine Safety’ was organised by Army college of Nursing, Jalandhar and attended by delegates from reputed Nursing Institutions & Hospitals from Punjab, Jammu, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh. General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps was the Chief Guest and Mrs Jacinta G from AIIMS New Delhi was the Guest of Honour.

Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri inaugurated the 200m Sisseri bridge connecting Siang and Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh on 15 November 2019. He congratulated the BRO and Project Brahmank for successfully completing the bridge in extremely challenging terrain and weather conditions.


SNIPPETS

Defence Pension Adalat was organised by PCDA (Pensions), Allahabad in coordination with HQ Central Command at Lucknow on 23-24 November 2019 for redressal of pension related grievances of veterans and their next of kin residing in Lucknow and adjoining areas. Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri was the Chief Guest for the event which was attended by the Army Commander, Central Command and Shri Sanjeev Mittal, Controller General of Defence Accounts.

Capacity Building Tour for the youth of Bandipora and Baramulla district was conducted under the aegis of Wular Sector. The tour provided the Kashmiri youth with exposure to the cultural diversity and rich heritage of the country.

On the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations, a special event for ESM and Veer Naris was organized by 218 Medium Regiment on 11 October 2019. 475 ESM and 19 Veer Naris attended the event and paid homage to the martyrs.

Smt Jigar Kaur, wife of Naib Subedar Gurnam Singh, Ashoka Chakra (P), 108 Engineer Regiment laid wreath at the National War Memorial in his remembrance. Naib Subedar Gurnam Singh laid down his life during mine clearance displaying unparalleled devotion to duty.

‘Rising Star Bayonets’ organised a Medical Camp at Jhang (in Samba district) on 16 November 2019. A total of 868 villagers were provided free medical consultation by General Physician, Gynecologist & Dentist. Free medicines were also provided.


INDO-PAK WAR : 1971CAuSES AND EVENTS LEADING TO 1971 WAR • Mass genocide & rape by Pak Army of their own people in

East Pakistan• Cultural & economic domination of West Pakistan over

East Pakistan• Awami League launched non-cooperation and civil

disobedience movement after General Elections of December 1970

• 25 March 1971 - Pak Army launched ‘Operation Searchlight’ to quell the autonomy movement committing atrocities against unarmed Bengalis

• Millions of refugees from East Pakistan took shelter in India• Mukti Bahini stepped up guerilla warfare• PAF carried out pre-emptive air strikes on five Indian

airfields on 03 December 1971 starting a full scale war

OuTCOmE OF THE WAR• Fall of Dhaka on 16 December 1971- Liberation

of Bangladesh• Pak Army surrendered in Bangladesh with

93000 soldiers, Pak lost half of its Navy and a

quarter of its Air Force. Never before in the history of warfare, such large number of soldiers have surrendered

• Capture of 15000 sq km of Pak territory by Indian Forces on Western Front

• Fall of Yahya Khan administration in Pakistan and swearing in of ZA Bhutto as the President


INDO-PAK WAR : 1971EASTERN FRONTThe Battle of Atgram Complex, fought between the 5 Gorkha Rifles and 31 Punjab (Pak Army) was one of the first engagements between the two opposing forces. Atgram was an important communication centre in Sylhet Division, which was a heavily fortified enemy location. Attack by infiltration, after last light on 20 November 1971 was planned. Both Assault Companies of 4/5 Gorkha Rifles (FF) crossed Surma River, infiltrated between Pak held forward posts undetected, and by later part of the night were close to Atgram. At 0430 hr, both Companies launched a fierce Khukri assault on the surprised Pakistanis and as dawn broke captured Atgram. The sheer ferocity of assault of the unit broke the will of the enemy and the post fell. The Tangail Airdrop, was an airborne operation mounted on 11 December 1971 by 2 PARA. The battalion group included an artillery battery from 17 Para Field Regiment, and an Engineers detachment. The main objective of the operation was to capture the Poongli Bridge on the Jamuna River, cut off Pakistani 93 Infantry Brigade which was retreating from the North to defend Dhaka. 2 PARA was also tasked to link up with the advancing 1st Maratha Light Infantry and advance towards Dhaka. BBC somehow reported that 5,000 paratroopers were para-dropped at Tangail causing a scare among the Pakistani authorities. The successful airdrop and the psychological fear led to early fall of Dhaka.

WESTERN FRONTThe Battle of Basantar (04-16 December 1971) was one of the vital battles fought in the Western sector. Invading Shakargarh bulge was one of the crucial components of Pak's strategy in the western sector to cut off the main link between Jammu & Pathankot. However, Pak Army's plans were jeopardized by a bold attack by 1 Corps, which pushed the Pakistanis back, and came close to capturing Sialkot. Pakistan lost 48 Patton tanks in the epic battle that took place in its own territory, almost wiping out an entire Armoured Brigade. 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal of 17 Poona Horse single-handedly destroyed seven enemy tanks before laying down his life on the battlefield.The Battle of Longewala (04 to 07 December 1971) was fought between assaulting Pakistani Brigade Group and a Company of 23 PUNJAB, commanded by Major KS Chandpuri, which made the best use of its strong defensive position and exploited enemy weakness. Pakistani brigade group was left extremely vulnerable to air attack during day. The battle saw 34 Pak Tanks destroyed or abandoned. 23 PUNJAB inflicted heavy losses on the Pakistanis and seized five field and three anti-aircraft guns.

2/LT ARuN KHETARPAL, PVC mAJ KS CHANDPuRI, mVC

LT COL KS PANNu, mVC


JAmmu AND KASHmIR DIARy

Army rescue columns provided immediate medical aid and assistance to approximately 300-350 civilians, including women and children, who were stranded near the Zojila Pass since 21 November 2019 with temperatures dipping to minus 7 degrees.

Rally was organized by Dah Division on 23 November 19 to resolve various problems faced by the ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and war disabled veterans in close co-ordination with Zila Sainik Board and civil administration. The rally was attended by more than 450 ex-servicemen & Veer Naris.

Chinar Corps organised Uri Football League from 13-20 November 2019. The tournament saw enthusiastic participation of eight teams from nearby areas. The invigorating final match was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience, which included several dignitaries from the Civil Administration.

The Nation, on 18 November 2019, remembered the gallant heroes of the Battle of Rezang La in Eastern Ladakh, one of the greatest battles ever fought. General Officer Commanding, Fire & Fury Corps paid homage to the martyrs of Rezang La.

Recruitment Rally for Soldiers (General Duty) was held at LADAKH SCOUTS Regimental Centre, Leh from 04–07 November 19. 579 youth hailing from Leh and Kargil districts took part in the rally with aspirations to serve the Nation.

White Knight Corps conducted a workshop on ‘Career Guidance’ for youth of Sunderbani to educate them about preparation methodology and sensitize them regarding available career options. Special emphasis was laid on preparation for National Defence Academy examination and other options to join Indian Armed Forces.


NORTH EAST DIARy

As part of National Integration Tour to Delhi and Agra; 18 students and two staff from Manipur visited premier institutions and witnessed the strides made by the country in economy and infrastructure. On 15 November 2019, the team met the Hon’ble President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A five member Myanmar Army delegation led by Lieutenant General Htun Htun Naung, Commander No (1) Bureau of Special Operations, visited Headquarters Eastern Command on 05 November 2019. The delegation members interacted with the GOC-in-C and discussed measures to enhance defence cooperation.

Blazing Sword Division celebrated ‘Nuranang Day’ at Jaswantgarh War Memorial on 17 November 2019 to commemorate the epic battle of Nuranang during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The event received an overwhelming response by attendance of Army personnel, civilians and school children in large numbers.

Foreign Service Attache tour comprising of 29 officers from 26 friendly foreign countries posted in respective Embassies in New Delhi visited Dinjan and Along on 28 November 2019, to familiarise themselves with Indian Army and cultural diversity of Assam & Arunachal Pradesh.

An Ex-Servicemen Rally cum Medical Camp was held under the aegis of Trishakti Corps at Bengdubi on 17 November 2019 and was attended by approximately 750 ex-servicemen. Representatives of various Banks, Zila Sainik Board, Record Offices and defence pension liaison cell attended with great dedication.

Black Cat Division conducted the ‘Epic Run 2019’ at Pedong, Sikkim on 23 November 2019, in recognition and respect for the soldiers and Next of Kin (NOK). The local population overwhelmingly responded to the Army’s initiative with over 1500 participants.


COmmuNIquE


WELFARE AND EmPOWERmENTSamman, Sehat, Sahuliyat aur Sahayta

On 14 November 2019, teachers and children from Asha School and Vishwas Employment Assistance Centre, Delhi Cantt visited the Army House and interacted with Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President AWWA. A Dog Show and various games were conducted for the children. President AWWA presented gift hampers to the children and praised the teachers and attendants for their noble service.

havildar tanaji Babu Mane, retiredHavildar Tanaji Babu Mane, Retired was enrolled into the Regiment of Artillery and served extensively in varied terrains both in the North East and Kashmir.

After superannuating in 2004, the NCO decided to set up a small business venture in his ancestral village with the aim of leveraging local potential and talent to better the lives of local people. The idea was for an investment that would incorporate the local farmers, enhance their income by gaining access to new markets, which in turn would provide them and their children with better access to food, health care and education. Thus, Parbhat Dairy in village Mohol (Solapur District) was planned and established with the help of his son, a veterinary doctor. He spent almost his entire life’s savings in the project and employed needy people from adjoining areas.

The dairy plant in its present form boasts of processing 3500 litres of milk daily with a turnover of almost Rs 30 lakhs per annum and has provided employment to dozens of locals, improving their lives. The success story has led to increase in milk production & cattle breeding in the adjoining areas as well and has provided the local farmers with year round source of income.

Master Tarun Singh Gahlan, special child with both eyes impaired since birth, son of Lieutenant Colonel Dalel Singh, was felicitated by Mrs Madhulika Rawat President AWWA on 23 Aug 2019. Tarun won second prize in contemporary song competition held at Kothari International School Noida. Pursuing graduation from Delhi University; his hobbies include horse riding and Hindustani vocal music.

INSPIRING VETERANS

‘Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground’


TRAINING

28 young and dynamic Gentlemen Cadets of the Technical Entry Scheme -34 passed out from the portals of Cadets Training Wing, MCEME after completing three years of tough and arduous military and technical training at this prestigious institute. The function was presided over by the Officiating Commandant MCEME.

A spectacular Attestation Parade was held at LADAKH SCOUTS Regimental Centre, Leh to mark the entry of 164 well trained recruits into the Regiment as young soldiers. Hailing from all regions of Ladakh, the soldiers took ‘Oath of Affirmation’ in unison to serve the Nation.

Indian Army Peacekeepers participated in joint training on Riot Control at Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Senegal Formed Police Unit. The training was aimed to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order in the area.

'exercise-sIndU sUdarshan-vII' was conducted from 13 - 18 November 2019 to validate the battle readiness and operational effectiveness of Sudarshan Chakra Corps in an integrated air land battle scenario. The exercise showcased the seamless integration between Armoured, Mechanised Infantry, Artillery, Army Air Defence, Attack Helicopters & Special Forces, displaying prowess of Indian Army as network centric force and destructive capabilities through fire power.

Passing out Parade for 185 recruits was conducted on their successful completion of training at Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre. The impresive parade was attended by proud parents & relatives of young soldiers.


SPORTS & ADVENTuRE ‘Enjoy, believe and achieve’

Havildar Sangram Keshari Jena of Corps of Signals ‘Dare Devils’ team, made a new World Record of ‘Longest distance riding backwards on a 11 feet ladder on a motor cycle’ on 15 Nov 2019 at Cobra Ground, Jabalpur by covering a total distance of 126.8 km in 4 hrs 29 min and 45 secs.

White Water Rafting expedition ‘DHRUVRAJ’ was flagged in on 23 November 19 at Jaisalmer Military Station by General Officer Commanding, Battle Axe Division. The team covered a total distance of 140 km from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh and spread awareness among locals on ‘Swachh Bharat Campaign’.

Cycling Expedition from Chungthang in Sikkim to Panagarh in West Bengal covering over 700 km was flagged-in by General Officer Commanding Brahmastra Corps on 18 November 2019. The expedition inculcated a spirit of adventure among all ranks and the team interacted with veterans to address their concerns.

Havildar PL Prasad of Madras Engineer Group & Centre, Bangalore clinched Gold Medal in Fly Weight category (52 Kg) in the Changsha International Boxing Tournament held at China on 30 November 2019.

Havildar Thiyam Dayananda Singh of Artillery (Gold in 100kg), Havildar Anuj Kumar Taliyan of Madras Sappers (Gold in 100+kg) and Havildar Murugesan Ramamurthy of Army Ordnance Corps (Silver in 55kg) did the nation proud in the 11th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship held at Jeju Island, South Korea from 5-11 November 2019.

A 12-hour endurance run was organized by Indian Field Hospital, UNMISS, Malakal, to raise funds for procuring 12 bicycles for girls staying in IDP Camps, to empower them with freedom of movement. The runners were led by Lieutenant Colonel Srinivas G, who covered 94 km in 12 hours.


REGImENTAL CELEBRATIONS

Headquarters Eastern Command celebrated its Raising day on 01 November 2019. Eastern Command covers the largest geographical area spread over eight states overseeing 8350 km of the land borders of the Country. Over the years, the Command has time and again proven itself as a formidable professional force, capable of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Nation and leading highly successful counter insurgency operations in the volatile regions of the North East.

The Rajputana Rifles observes 25 November as Remembrance Day every year. Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, Colonel of the Regiment, along with many serving personnel and veterans of the Regiment, laid wreath at RRRC War Memorial to pay homage to all the gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the Nation.

Corps of Engineers celebrated 239th Corps Day on 18 November 2019. In a solemn ceremony organised at ‘National War Memorial’, Lieutenant General SK Shrivastava, Engineer-in-Chief along with other serving and retired officers laid wreaths and paid homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Next Edition of Baatcheet will cover the theme 'Nation First– Army Day 2020'.16 Baatcheet December 2019

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INDO-PAK WAR : 1971 LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH

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