2019-11-21 Thu

As a part of the Bangladesh liberation war, the Battle of Garibpur was fought on 20–21 November 1971 Pakistan and Mukti Bahini the guerrilla resistance movement of West Bengal.

Although the 1971 Indo-Pak War officially began on 03 Dec hostilities had erupted all along the India – Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) border much earlier. After months of internal tensions in East Pakistan, many independence fighters had organized themselves into a guerilla army. Called the Mukti Bahini, these rebels were aided by India in their struggle.

The first major confrontation took place on 20-21 November in a major land and air encounter at Garibpur which located in Bayra Salient near the border inside Western Bangladesh. Garibpur village was at an important crossroads for both nations. Its control was thus vital as it included a highway to Jessore from India.

To prevent the Pakistanis from using the salient, and also to improve our position for the coming offensive inside East Pakistan, 14 PUNJAB (Nabha Akal) along with C Squadron of 45 Cavalry was tasked to capture Garibpur in end November 71. The attack was to be a silent attack, On the night of 20 November.

Though the Pakistanis reacted violently, the end was inevitable. The battle coming just weeks before the official start of the war had an unexpected turn of events. Indian Victory resulted in the dipping of the morale of the Pakistanis and following the mass defections of Bengalis, it was only a matter of time before they would face ultimate defeat.

Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.