No.

12/2019 AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION December 2019

INDO-PAK WAR : 1971

LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH
BATTLE OF HILLI 22 NOV – 11 DEC 1971

T
he 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
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 Ekka
Param 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

T
he 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
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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 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
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
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
4 Baatcheet December 2019
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
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
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
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, 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)

Baatcheet December 2019 5

snippets
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.
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.
6 Baatcheet December 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.

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.

Baatcheet December 2019 7

 INDO-PAK W
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
• 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

8 Baatcheet December 2019

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 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
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 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.

2/LT ARUN KHETARPAL, PVC
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 &
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 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.

Baatcheet December 2019 9

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.
10
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.
Baatcheet December 2019
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.
Baatcheet December 2019
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.
11
Communique

12 Baatcheet December 2019

welfare and empowerment
Samman, 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.
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’
Havildar Tanaji Babu Mane, Retired
Havildar 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.

Baatcheet December 2019 13

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.
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.

'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.

14 Baatcheet December 2019

Sports & adventure
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.
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 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.
Baatcheet December 2019
‘Enjoy, believe and achieve’
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.
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’.
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.
15
Regimental celebrations
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.
Next Edition of Baatcheet will cover the theme 'Nation First– Army Day 2020'.
16
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.
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.
Baatcheet December 2019