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regular troops and border police; so as to located 6km inside East Pakistan, was an
successfully dominate the border and ‘No important crossroad for both nations. In
man’s land’ across the Kabadak river. By the event of the full military option having
end November 1971, the enemy actions had to be exercised, 9 Infantry Division had
reached a level where it became necessary planned to secure Jessore, and one of its
to protect Indian interests by occupying axis of advance was the Chaugacha-Jessore
selected enclaves in East Pakistan. highway. Its control created a road map for
Indian forces to eventually defeat Pakistani
Task troops in December 1971.
14 Punjab (Nabha Akal), a veteran battalion
under the able command of Lt Col (later Brig) Reconnaissance
RK Singh, was initially tasked to occupy a During the morning of November 20,
battalion defended area in Fatehpur, located 1971, a strong patrol was sent across the
6 kms inside East Pakistan, which was well border to reconnoitre a suitable area
dominated by enemy patrols. The task was ahead of Fatehpur. Maj (later Lt Col) AP
later revised ‘to secure area of Garibpur by Vishwanathan, OC Alpha Company, led
first light Nov 21, 1971’. 14 Punjab was chosen this patrol which comprised elements of
to advance well inside to secure enemy rifle companies to ensure that all these
territory in order to block the Chaugacha- companies would have route guidance
Jessore road and trap the withdrawing on arrival into positions. The move of the
enemy from Chaugacha, or prevent any unit was supposed to be a surprise, but
reinforcements joining from Jessore. The following a skirmish with an enemy patrol,
unit was supported by artillery, ‘C’ Squadron the Pakistanis were alerted of the impending
of 45 Cavalry consisting of 14 PT – 76 tanks, attack.
platoon engineers of 102 Engineer Regiment
and medical elements. Advance to Garibpur
14 Punjab along with ‘Charlie’ Squadron
Importance of Garibpur 45 Cavalry equipped with 14 PT-76 tanks
Located in the Boyra salient, Garibpur lies crossed the international border formed by
astride the highway from India to Jessore the Kabadak river near Bayra and reached
via Chaugacha. The hamlet of Garibpur, the Garibpur position by last light on
November 20. There was just enough time
for Lt Col RK Singh to issue orders on the
radio to his company commanders and the
squadron commander, ‘C’ Squadron 45
Cavalry before the early winter set in.
Assessment of the Enemy
A battalion of Pakistani 107 Infantry
Brigade was located at Chaugacha, while the
remainder brigade and 9 Infantry Division
was in Jessore. Since the Garibpur position
Captured Pakistani weapons during the Battle of Garibpur would outflank the Pakistani battalion at
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #17 | NOVEMBER 2020 21
