New Delhi: The India-Pakistan War of 1971 is one of the most pivotal moments in Asia’s history. The Indian Army, along with forces of East Pakistan, defeated West Pakistan (today’s Pakistan) in the battle. As a result, East Pakistan emerged as the newly independent nation of Bangladesh, which was crucial for the history of India and the Subcontinent.
The Battle of Garibpur took place before the 1971 War between India and Pakistan as both were vying for control of the Garibpur village which is now in Bangladesh. On November 20, 1971, Indian troops of the 14th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment with 14 supporting PT-76 tanks from the 45 Cavalry moved in to capture the areas around Garibpur in Pakistani territory. A few days later on December 3, India and Pakistan would get embroiled in a full-fledged war for the liberation of Bangladesh.
The Battle of Garibpur and the launchpad of India
After the uprising of the common people in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) for freedom from Pakistan, the latter’s army led a clampdown on Bengali nationalists. The freedom fighters of Bangladesh formed the Mukti Bahini against whom the Pakistan troops found initial success. Bangladesh sought the help of India to turn the tide and the latter thus started to involve itself deeper into the conflict brewing in the east and stationed its troops near the border.
Garibpur was among the important launch pads for the Indian Army since it was close to Jessore in East Pakistan. The day to capture Garibpur was fixed to be November 21 and on that day, the C Squadron of the Indian Army’s 45 Cavalry simply decimated the Pakistan Army’s 14 American M-24 Chaffee tanks. India lost only a couple of tanks on that day and IAF’s fighter jets shot down three F-86 Sabres in the first aerial combat with PAF before the 1971 war officially broke out. This air action is called by the IAF the Battle of Boyra. On November 22, 1971, the Indian fighter jets intercepted four PAF F-86 Sabres violating Indian airspace.
India got new heroes from the Battle of Garibpur. The 14 Punjab (Nabha Akal) of the Indian Army played a crucial role in the battle. Lieutenant Colonel (later brigadier) RK Singh, its commanding officer, was awarded Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry medal. Captain GS Gill, also from 14 Punjab, who later became lieutenant colonel, was awarded Vir Chakra. Major DS Narag, Mehta’s squadron commander, was awarded Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. According to retired Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam who authored ‘India’s Wars: A Military History 1947-1971’, the Battle of Garibpur and the Battle of Boyra effectively and unofficially started the 1971 War.
The Battle of Garibpur took place before the 1971 War between India and Pakistan as both were vying for control of the Garibpur village which is now in Bangladesh. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
