As a consequence ostani military clampdown in East Pakistan in March 1971, lakhs of Bengalis sought refuge in lndia many of them joined mukti bahini a guerrilla outfit raised to fight for the liberation of Bangla Desh. The Mukti Bahini fighters crossed borders to harass the Pak army, which in turn breached the indian borders in hot pursuit indian Army waarned Pakistanis for their s[poradic incursions onto the indian territory. Gradually, such incidents became more frequent and developed into encounters. one such incident took place in the border area near village Garibpur. The village was located across an inmdian salient jutting into East Pakistan popularly called Boyra sailent. Poakistanis made it into a stronghold and used it to launch raids across the border. Garibpur was also strategically important as it dominated the highway [2 km away] leading to jessore from chaugacha. jessore was also the headquarters of the Pakistani army divsion, reponsible for the defence of this sector of East Pakistan. the domination over Garibpur area was vital for the armies of both india and Pakistan, and therefore a major battle took place here on 20- 21 Novemder 1971.
An aerial encounter also ensued the very next day. To counter Pakistani incursions from boyra salient Brigadier JS Gharaya, Commander 42 Infantry Brigade, tasked Lt Col RK Singh commanding officer 14 Punjad [ Nabha Akal] to establish defences at garibpur. A squadron of 45 Cavalry with PT-76 tanks and aqn engineer platoon of 102 Engineer Regiment were also placed under his command. the task was assigned to 14 Punjab on 20 Novemder with orders to secure the objective by the first light on 21 November. Lt Col Singh immediately began to gather information about Pakistani dispositions in the area. it was found that the area was well looked after by a Pakistani brigade based at jessore hardly based at jessore hardly 20 Km from garibpur and that a battalion was already deployed in the vinity at chaugacha. further the enemy could strengthen the strounghold with at least one squadron of armour and two infantry battalions. Moreover, there was alsoi the possibility of an air attack. Pakistani troops were also ensured artillery support from a place called singha juli about 500 meters north of garibpur. Lt Col singh orderedone of his companies to march across the international border to garibpur without alerting the enemy. A river named kabadak which ran alongside the border had to be negotiated. the company manoeuvered hard and crossed over to the other side of the river despits shortage of boats. the whole battalion followed. the squadron of 45 cavalry also crossed over alsong with the companies of 14 Punjab. Meanwhile an advance patrol was sent under major A P vishwanathan to reconnoitre the area with a view to guide the batta;lion on its arrival in the area. But a Pakistani potrol was also making rounds in the same area. A clash erupted between the two patrols and pakistanis pulled back after a fierce fight. but the surprise was lost and the enemy alertede.
In the circumstances, Lt Col company commanders to secure the objectives immediately. one company along with the squadron of 45 cavalry rushed forward to the jagannathur area. the other company secured a salient north of garibpur. the other troops secured the gap between the two companies. by early hours[ 0300 hours]
Vanshi
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