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Home , Albert Ekka, Arun Khetarpal, Bipin Rawat, December 1971, Eastern Command (India), Havildar

No. 12/2019 AN INDIAN PUBLICATION December 2019

INDO-PAK WAR : 1971 LIBERATION OF OF HILLI 22 NOV – 11 DEC 1971

he Battle of Hilli, one of the most decisive . The battle took place in two phases. In first of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War), phase, Morapara was captured and in phase-II Hilli Twill go down in the annals of the history was captured. After the end of the phase I, 8 GUARDS of the as one of the most ferocious held Morapara, 22 LI held Noapara and battles ever fought by a gallant band of from 5 held Basudeopur. However, highly motivated units. The operations comprised heavy casualities were suffered by the in two battles; the first Battle of Hilli was fought from Hilli which forced the higher Headquarter to modify 22-24 November, and the second from 10-11 plans for attacks on fortified positions. With the , although the final surrender modified plans, 20 Mountain Division captured by Pak Forces in the area of Hilli took place on Durra, Bisapara, Dangapara and Hilli. The officers 18 December 1971. The main objective was to exhibiting exemplary leadership, led attacks in the capture , thereby cutting off Pakistani forces in face of murderous fire and set personal examples of the North from the rest of East . The best unstinting courage and commitment. Young leaders way of reaching Bogra was through Hilli. at all levels displayed exceptional levels of leadership. It speaks volumes of the tenacity and fortitude of the Indian Forces Indian Army soldiers that despite heavy odds and 20 Mountain Division was led by fighting a protracted battle for many days emerged Lachhman Singh, comprising of 66 Mountain victorious at Hilli. Brigade, 165 Mountain Brigade, 202 Mountain Awards Brigade, 340 Mountain Brigade, 3 Armoured Brigade, 471 Engineer Brigade and two Lance augmented by 33 Artillery. The ground Param (Posthumous) were aided by aerial support provided by the which had acquired air superiority. Samsher Singh Mahavir Chakra Pakistan Forces SS Samra 205 Brigade of 16 Division of Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) led by Tajammul Hussain Malik. Lance Naik Ram Ugrah Pandey Major Events of the Battle Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) The initial plan was to capture Hilli with 202 Mountain

The Battle was unique in the way that it started before the official commencement of the 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 he Indo Pak War of 1971 is a landmark event in the rich history of the Indian Armed TForces as this war carved out an independent and sovereign nation of Bangladesh by a finely orchestrated campaign spearheaded by . The war was the fall out of the oppressive political and economic policies of towards , which caused unimaginable human sufferings leading to the exodus of more than 10 million refugees into India.

The option was exercised only when all Battle of Hilli (22 Nov-11 Dec 1971)...... 2 political and diplomatic efforts by India to resolve the issue failed. An all out war was triggered by Chief’s Page...... 4 unprovoked air strikes by Pakistan on Indian Air In Focus...... 5 Bases on 03 December 1971. The synergized efforts of the , orchestrated the Snippets...... 6-7 collapse of Pakistan Army in a matter of 14 days. The Indo-Pak War : 1971 ...... 8-9 multi-pronged thrusts by the formations of Eastern J&K Diary...... 10 Command ably supported by Indian Air Force and an effective sea by , forced North East Diary...... 11 Pakistan Army to surrender unconditionally on 16 Communique...... 12 December 1971. Welfare and Empowerment ...... 13 AAK Niazi, GOC-in-C East Training...... 14 Pakistan Army signed the Instrument of Surrender Sports and Adventure...... 15 on 16 December 1971 with Lieutenant General JS Arora, GOC-in-C Eastern Command at the Regimental Celebrations...... 16 Race Course, which led to more than 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laying down their arms and surrender. Never before in the history of warfare, CONTACT FOR QUERIES Publisher : Additional Directorate General, such large number of soldiers have surrendered, as Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) the Pakistanis did. Office : B-30, South Block, New - 110011 Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249 Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or www.indianarmy.gov.in Facebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpi Twitter : www.twitter.com/adgpi Editor Baatcheet Email : [email protected] ADG PI : [email protected] Brig PI : [email protected] Colonel (IO) : [email protected] Colonel (Media) : [email protected] Colonel (Social Media) : [email protected] Webmaster IA : [email protected] Contact No : 011-23018665, 33332 33249 (ASCON) Printer : Xtreme Office Aids (Pvt.) Ltd, N D-46 Ph : 011-45627583

Baatcheet December 2019 3 We request our readers to send good quality, high resolution photographs for cover page of Baatcheet. CHIEF’S PAGE

Chief of General , People’s Army & Deputy General , Chief of the Army Staff presided over Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General 35th Infantry Commanders’ Conference conducted at Phan Van Giang called upon and interacted with General the Infantry School, Mhow from 26-28 November 2019. Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff on 25 to Conference is a biennial event aimed at taking a holistic review discuss issues of mutual & strategic concern of operational, training and management aspects of the Infantry

Lieutenant General Walter R Koipaton, Commander, Kenyan Chief of the Army Staff delivered the Key Note Address at Army interacted with General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army DEFCOM INDIA 2019 seminar held at Manekshaw Centre, Staff at South Block on 20 November 19 and discussed issues on 26 November 2019 and discussed the security of mutual concern challenges confronting the Nation and stressed on the need for jointness

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff visited Chief of the Army Staff visited Chandimandir on 22 November Headquarters on 23 November 2019 and 2019 and urged all ranks to keep themselves abreast with commended all ranks for their professionalism; exhorting latest trends in information technology, emerging threats and them to keep working with zeal and enthusiasm counter measures

4 Baatcheet December 2019 In focus INTERNATIONAL 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, )

Exercise SHAKTI 2019 : Indo– French (Joint exercise conducted from 01-13 November 2019 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, )

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)

Baatcheet December 2019 5 snippets

Shri , Raksha Mantri inaugurated the 200m Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri paid respect to the Sisseri bridge connecting Siang and Dibang Valley of fallen soldiers and inaugurated Tawang Maitree Diwas on on 15 November 2019. He congratulated 14 November 2019 in the presence of Shri Pema Khandu, the BRO and Project Brahmank for successfully completing Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and the Eastern Army the bridge in extremely challenging terrain and weather Commander, to mark the spirit of friendship and bonhomie conditions. between the citizens of Tawang and the Indian Army.

Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms Leila National conference on ‘Recent Advancement in Infection Zerrougui visited the Indian Army contingents at Kitchanga, Control & Vaccine Safety’ was organised by Army college Nyanzale & Pinga in North Kivu Province of the Democratic of Nursing, Jalandhar and attended by delegates from Republic of Congo and lauded their efforts in maintaining reputed Nursing Institutions & Hospitals from , peace. Jammu, & . Commanding, Vajra Corps was the Chief Guest and Mrs Jacinta G from AIIMS New Delhi was the Guest of Honour.

20 enthusiastic cadets of Nagrota along with two teachers visited Agra on educational tour from 05-08 November 2019. The cadets had the Gandiv Artillery Brigade through personal contact program first hand experience of addressed the grievances of NOKs of Bharatpur & Dholpur witnessing Training, over the last six months and felicitated NOKs on Para Motor, Rock Climbing 15 November 2019 at UIT Auditorium Bharatpur for their and Firing Skills by highly invaluable contribution. professional Paratroopers.

6 Baatcheet December 2019 snippets

Defence Adalat was organised by PCDA (), Allahabad in coordination with HQ at 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 ‘Rising Star ’ organised a Medical Camp at Jhang Baramulla district was conducted under the aegis of Wular (in Samba district) on 16 November 2019. A total of Sector. The tour provided the Kashmiri youth with exposure 868 villagers were provided free medical consultation by to the cultural diversity and rich heritage of the country. General Physician, Gynecologist & Dentist. Free medicines were also provided.

On the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations, a special Smt Jigar Kaur, wife of Naib Gurnam Singh, Ashoka event for ESM and Veer Naris was organized by 218 Medium Chakra (P), 108 Engineer Regiment laid wreath at the Regiment on 11 October 2019. 475 ESM and 19 Veer Naris National War Memorial in his remembrance. Naib Subedar attended the event and paid homage to the martyrs. Gurnam Singh laid down his life during mine clearance displaying unparalleled devotion to duty. Baatcheet December 2019 7 INDO-PAK WAR : 1971 CAUSES 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 • launched non-cooperation and civil disobedience movement after General Elections of • 25 - Pak Army launched ‘’ to quell the autonomy movement committing atrocities against unarmed • Millions of refugees from East Pakistan took shelter in India • 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 quarter of its Air Force. Never before in the history of warfare, such large number of soldiers have surrendered • Fall of Dhaka on 16 December 1971- Liberation of Bangladesh • Capture of 15000 sq km of Pak territory by Indian Forces on Western • Pak Army surrendered in Bangladesh with 93000 soldiers, Pak lost half of its Navy and a • Fall of administration in Pakistan and swearing in of ZA Bhutto as the President

8 Baatcheet December 2019 INDO-PAK WAR : 1971 EASTERN FRONT The 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 Division, which was a heavily fortified enemy location. Attack by infiltration, after last light on 20 was planned. Both Assault Companies of LT COL KS PANNU, MVC 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 Airdrop, was an airborne operation mounted on 11 December 1971 by 2 PARA. The included an from 17 Para Field Regiment, and an Engineers . 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 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 FRONT The 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 &

2/LT , PVC MAJ KS CHANDPURI, MVC 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 . Pakistan lost 48 Patton 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 and a 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.

Baatcheet December 2019 9 Jammu and diary

Army rescue columns provided immediate medical aid and The Nation, on 18 November 2019, remembered the gallant assistance to approximately 300-350 civilians, including heroes of the Battle of in Eastern , one of the women and children, who were stranded near the Zojila Pass greatest battles ever fought. General Officer Commanding, since 21 November 2019 with temperatures dipping to minus Fire & Fury Corps paid homage to the martyrs of Rezang La. 7 degrees.

Rally was organized by Dah Division on 23 November 19 to Recruitment Rally for Soldiers (General Duty) was held at resolve various problems faced by the ex-servicemen, Veer Regimental Centre, from 04–07 Naris and war disabled veterans in close co-ordination with November 19. 579 youth hailing from Leh and districts Zila Sainik Board and civil administration. The rally was took part in the rally with aspirations to serve the Nation. attended by more than 450 ex-servicemen & Veer Naris.

Chinar Corps organised Uri Football League from White Corps conducted a workshop on ‘Career 13-20 November 2019. The tournament saw enthusiastic Guidance’ for youth of Sunderbani to educate them about participation of eight teams from nearby areas. The preparation methodology and sensitize them regarding invigorating final match was thoroughly enjoyed by a large available career options. Special emphasis was laid on audience, which included several dignitaries from the Civil preparation for National Defence Academy examination and Administration. other options to join Indian Armed Forces.

10 Baatcheet December 2019 NORTH EAST DIARY

As part of National Integration Tour to Delhi and Agra; Foreign Service Attache tour comprising of 29 officers from 18 students and two staff from visited premier 26 friendly foreign countries posted in respective Embassies institutions and witnessed the strides made by the country in New Delhi visited Dinjan and Along on 28 November in economy and infrastructure. On 15 November 2019, the 2019, to familiarise themselves with Indian Army and team met the Hon’ble President, Shri at cultural diversity of & Arunachal Pradesh. the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A five member Army delegation led by Lieutenant An Ex-Servicemen Rally cum Medical Camp was held under General Htun Htun Naung, Commander No (1) Bureau of the aegis of Trishakti Corps at Bengdubi on 17 November Special Operations, visited Headquarters Eastern Command 2019 and was attended by approximately 750 ex-servicemen. on 05 November 2019. The delegation members interacted Representatives of various Banks, Zila Sainik Board, Record with the GOC-in-C and discussed measures to enhance Offices and defence pension liaison cell attended with great defence cooperation. dedication.

Blazing Sword Division celebrated ‘Nuranang Day’ at Black Cat Division conducted the ‘Epic Run 2019’ at Pedong, Jaswantgarh War Memorial on 17 November 2019 to on 23 November 2019, in recognition and respect for commemorate the epic battle of Nuranang during the 1962 the soldiers and Next of Kin (NOK). The local population Sino-Indian War. The event received an overwhelming overwhelmingly responded to the Army’s initiative with over response by attendance of Army personnel, civilians and 1500 participants. school children in large numbers.

Baatcheet December 2019 11 Communique

12 Baatcheet December 2019 welfare and empowerment

Samman, Sehat, Sahuliyat aur Sahayta

On 14 November 2019, teachers and children from Asha Master Tarun Singh Gahlan, special child with both eyes School and Vishwas Employment Assistance Centre, Delhi impaired since birth, son of Dalel Singh, Cantt visited the Army House and interacted with Mrs was felicitated by Mrs Madhulika Rawat President AWWA Madhulika Rawat, President AWWA. A Dog Show and on 23 Aug 2019. Tarun won second prize in contemporary various games were conducted for the children. President song competition held at Kothari International School Noida. AWWA presented gift hampers to the children and praised Pursuing graduation from Delhi University; his hobbies the teachers and attendants for their noble service. include horse riding and Hindustani vocal music.

INSPIRING VETERANS

Havildar Tanaji Babu Mane, Retired 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 ‘Walk with the dreamers, the breeding in the adjoining areas as well and has provided the local believers, the courageous, the farmers with year round source of income. planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground’

Baatcheet December 2019 13 TRAINING

28 young and dynamic Gentlemen Cadets of the Technical A spectacular Attestation Parade was held at LADAKH Entry Scheme -34 passed out from the portals of Cadets SCOUTS Regimental Centre, Leh to mark the entry of Training , MCEME after completing three years of 164 well trained recruits into the Regiment as young soldiers. tough and arduous military and technical training at this Hailing from all regions of Ladakh, the soldiers took ‘Oath prestigious institute. The function was presided over by the of Affirmation’ in unison to serve the Nation. Officiating Commandant MCEME.

Indian Army Peacekeepers participated in joint training on Passing out Parade for 185 recruits was conducted on their Riot Control at Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo successful completion of training at Mechanised Infantry with Senegal Formed Police Unit. The training was aimed to Regimental Centre. The impresive parade was attended by assist the local administration in maintaining law and order proud parents & relatives of young soldiers. 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 & , displaying prowess of Indian Army as network centric force and destructive capabilities through fire power.

14 Baatcheet December 2019 Sports & adventure ‘Enjoy, believe and achieve’

Havildar Thiyam Dayananda Singh of Artillery (Gold in Havildar PL Prasad of & Centre, 100kg), Havildar Anuj Kumar Taliyan of Madras clinched Gold Medal in Fly Weight category (Gold in 100+kg) and Havildar Murugesan Ramamurthy (52 Kg) in the Changsha International Boxing Tournament of Army Ordnance Corps (Silver in 55kg) did the nation held at on 30 November 2019. proud in the 11th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship held at Jeju Island, from 5-11 November 2019.

Cycling Expedition from Chungthang in Sikkim to Panagarh White Water Rafting expedition ‘DHRUVRAJ’ was flagged in in West covering over 700 km was flagged-in by on 23 November 19 at Jaisalmer Military Station by General General Officer Commanding Brahmastra Corps on Officer Commanding, Battle Axe Division. The team covered 18 November 2019. The expedition inculcated a spirit of a total distance of 140 km from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh adventure among all ranks and the team interacted with and spread awareness among locals on ‘Swachh Bharat veterans to address their concerns. Campaign’.

Havildar Sangram Keshari Jena of Corps of Signals ‘Dare A 12-hour endurance run was organized by Indian Field Devils’ team, made a new World Record of ‘Longest distance Hospital, UNMISS, Malakal, to raise funds for procuring riding backwards on a 11 feet ladder on a motor cycle’ on 12 bicycles for girls staying in IDP Camps, to empower them 15 Nov 2019 at Cobra Ground, Jabalpur by covering a total with freedom of movement. The runners were led by Lieutenant distance of 126.8 km in 4 hrs 29 min and 45 secs. Colonel Srinivas G, who covered 94 km in 12 hours. Baatcheet December 2019 15 Regimental celebrations

The observes 25 November as Remembrance Corps of Engineers celebrated 239th Corps Day on Day every year. Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, Colonel 18 November 2019. In a solemn ceremony organised at of the Regiment, along with many serving personnel and ‘National War Memorial’, Lieutenant General SK Shrivastava, veterans of the Regiment, laid wreath at RRRC War Memorial Engineer-in-Chief along with other serving and retired to pay homage to all the gallant soldiers who sacrificed their officers laid wreaths and paid homage to the brave soldiers lives for the Nation. who sacrificed their lives for the country.

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.

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