The HILLI town was located in the north western sector of East Pakistan, spread spread over on worth side of the border. It was of vital strategic importance and hence Pak commander expected his men to defend the complex at all cost. For the Indians it was the gateway to HILLI Gaibanda Bogra axis. Further it's occupation was considered necessary to isolate the Pakistani forces from rest of the East Pakistan.
On the Indian side the area was densely populated and build up. On the other side it was less populaypoand full of paddy and jute crops with a large number of groves and ponds. Preparing for war the Pakistani army destroyed the civilians to deny any shelter to Multi Bahini ( Bangladeshis who fought along with Indians) and Indian army the Pakistani forces were well prepared and pre stocked on these build up areas. The narrow lanes were used to place minefields in zig- zag direction and grenades. The pre _ conditions of the town provided the Pakistani forces an advantageous position. In fact they had turned the town into a strong fortress to thwart any attack.
It is notable that the battle of Hill had actually started on 22 November 1971, much before the commencement of War on 3 December. The battle was fought in two phases. The first phase lasted from 22 to 25 November and the second phase from 8 to 11 December 1971. In between some clashes followed. The battle is considered as one of the most pitched battles fought in the build up areas during India Pakistan war of 1971. Initially. The Indian Army avoided to go a Ross the border. But after the Pakistani army started shelling HILLI and Balurghat on 1 November GOC - in C Eastern command decided to reactivate and the task was a trusted to 8 Guards with 5 Garhwal as reserve. But later the objective was changed to capturing Northern HILLI including Naolara, Morapara and Basudeopur villages and not the whole HILLI complex realising that a single battalion may not be able to do it. Further the movement of the tanks over weak bridges and muddy terrain was an additional problem. 22 Movember was fixed for the commencement of the operation. The plan of the attack was prepared by the commander of 202 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Farhad Bhatty who had earlier shown promise in the a squadron of 63 cavalry in support.
Vanshi
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