New Delhi: The 1971 India-Pakistan War, fought for the liberation of East Pakistan which is currently known as Bangladesh, was one of the major engagements in battle between the two neighbouring countries. And in that war, the Battle of Sylhet was an important moment for both sides. It was this battle that became a crucial factor in the outcome of the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India won, Pakistan lost and the nation of Bangladesh was formed.
The Battle of Sylhet took place from December 7 to December 15 between the advancing Indian Army and the Pakistani troops. It was the first heliborne operation of the Indian Army and took place after the Battle of Gazipur.
Battle of Sylhet: The Prelude
After West Pakistan (currently Pakistan) began the military crackdown in East Pakistan, more than one million refugees entered India and the government decided to go to war with Pakistan. However, General Sam Manekshaw wanted the Indian Army to fully prepare and requested time. The Indian forces were ready by December and were prepared to go to war with Pakistan. Sylhet was a town in Bangladesh and it was connected by road and rail to Dhaka. The 8th Mountain Division led by Major General K. V. Krishna Rao was entrusted with the responsibility to capture the important town of Sylhet.
Battle of Sylhet: A major victory for the Indian Army
Pakistan adopted a fortress strategy and turned many towns and cantonments in Bangladesh including Sylhet into fortresses with mines and pillboxes. Additional troops arrived to strengthen their defences and the plan was to destroy Indian troops if they attacked the cities and if they tried to bypass them they would be surrounded. Throughout the war, India adopted a manoeuvre style of warfare.
A heliborne operation was planned for the Battle of Sylhet and on December 7, Indian helicopters took off with 4th/5th Gorkha Rifles and landed at pre-selected spots. The helicopters airlifted to Sylhet around 648 Gurkha troops and more followed. From that day till December 15, the Indian forces were engaged in heavy fighting with the Pakistani troops who were not ready to concede an inch without fight. Finally, on December 15, the Indian Army surrounded the entire Pakistani garrison in Sylhet and the enemy was feeling the pressure both on physical and psychological terms. Finally, on December 16, the entire Pakistani Army surrendered to the Indian Army and the war was won.
Why was the Battle of Sylhet important?
The Indian Armed Forces gained a huge victory in the Battle of Sylhet. It decided the outcome of the war as it enabled the Indian forces to advance much faster and push back the Pakistani troops. The Indian Air Force dominated East Pakistan’s skies throughout the war and attacked enemies at will. The Battle of Sylhet was a perfect example where infantry, air force and supporting arms closely co-ordinated.
The Battle of Sylhet took place from December 7 to December 15 between the advancing Indian Army and the Pakistani troops. It was the first heliborne operation of the Indian Army and took place after the Battle of Gazipur. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
