ISBN : 9780199064724
This book narrates a fascinating firsthand account of a battle fought in 1971 at Hussainiwala in former West Pakistan. The author, as a Commanding Officer at the time, led his newly formed battalion against heavy odds to greatly contribute to the victory of the 106 Brigade against Indian forces. He describes the unfolding chain of events that led up to the Battle in the Hussainiwala and provides intricate details of the battle, along with its plans. What makes this battle particularly noteworthy is that it was fought against the backdrop of the larger military defeat and debacle of East Pakistan. Determined not to fail, the tenacious troops of the 106 Brigade under Brig M. Mumtaz Khan HJ, SJ of the Frontier Force Regiment fought courageously in Hussainiwala prevailing against the very strong opposition of the Indian forces and finally defeated them. This well-crafted book takes us behind the scenes, leaving us wiser and more appreciative of how unyielding troops could help defend a nation and protect its future. The author, now in his late seventies, was inspired to write this book to uncover factual details of the event and help both the armed forces and the civil society understand the intricacies of how this difficult battle was fought and won. The book also pays homage to the officers and men who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Preface
List of Maps and Sketches of Battle Plans
Abbreviations
1. Political Alienation in East Pakistan
2. The 41st Battalion of the Baluch Regiment: Its Raising and Early Days
3. Moving into the Operational Area
4. A Strategic Opportunity is Lost
5. Operational Planning Considerations of GOC 11th Division
6. Operational Planning
7. 106 Brigade Attack Plans: Final Preparations
8. Unit Attack Plans
9. Calm Before the Storm
10. The War Begins in West Pakistan
11. Fighting on the Objective: Actions at Qaiser-i-Hind by the 41st Baluch
12. Exploitation up to the Headworks
13. Pre-emptive and Auxiliary / Diversionary Attacks of 3rd Punjab
14. 19th Punjab Actions in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the 106th Brigade Attack Plans
15. Pre-emptive attacks by All Battalions in Phase 1 of the 106th Brigade Attack
16. Actions of Bravo Squadron of the 4th Cavalry Regiment
17. Defensive Battle at Sehjra Salient by the 41st Baluch, 6-17 December (Ceasefire)
Epilogue
Glossary
Bibliography
Index