Maj Gen Randhir Sinh (Retd)
Some people are born to lead, but even these born warrior leaders must learn professionalism in modern warfare before they can successfully lead men in battle. Sagat was o
It is now only a four-hour journey by road but 50 years ago, the Akhaura to Dhaka march that redrew the map of South Asia and rewrote its military history took us 13 tumultuous days. After a brilliant
It is now only a four-hour journey by road but 50 years ago, the Akhaura to Dhaka march that redrew the map of South Asia and rewrote its military history took us 13 tumultuous days. After a brilliant
In the East, India won the war, which it could not have lost. So, the real challenge was in the West, where there was a rough parity between the two sides. To an extent, the Indians handicapped themselves by political directions that called for maintaining a defensive posture till the Pakistanis revealed their hand. But once war broke out, bad Generalship, poor plans, indifferent execution and the dogged defence by the Pakistanis became the norm. Learning from history should provide an important corrective to those who think that India can steamroll Pakistan in the event of a war.
Jammu & Kashmir
New Delhi, December 20
A narration of personal experiences of four officers, who took part in the historic and one-of-its-kind crossing of Meghna river in East Pakistan during the 1971 war, was the highlight of the concluding day of the 4th Military Literature Festival on Sunday.
Liberation war
The war was about liberation over occupation. Pakistan had occupied it (Bangladesh) and we liberated it. We did not stay beyond 90 days.
Lt Gen SS Mehta
The annual event was held virtually in Chandigarh due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Each officer narrated how crossing the Meghna (December 9-15, 1971) was done while the Indian Army approached to encircle Dhaka (then Dacca) from the eastern flank. Interspersed with some thrilling anecdotes of the war and the conduct of 4 Corps Commander Lt Gen Sagat Singh, the session was moderated by Squadron Leader Rana TS Chinna, who is part of the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research.