AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION - July 2021
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No. 07/2021 AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION July 2021
BATTLE OF GARIBPUR (NOV 1971)
O
n 21 November 1971, a major battle
ensued on the Eastern Front and it
happened before the official declaration
of war on 03 December 1971. Garibpur was a finger-
shaped land protrusion into India from erstwhile East
Pakistan in the Boyra Salient. The Pakistani Artillery
was using the salient and Garibpur protrusion to
launch Artillery fire assaults and raids into Indian
positions along the border and in the depth areas.
With war imminent, both the Indian Army and the
Mukti Bahini were active and engaged in aggressive attack. The Infantry with its recoilless guns held the
domination of the enemy by patrolling and raids. area of Garibpur and tanks were sent ahead to meet
A decision was taken to prepare for the Indian the Pakistani charge. The counter-attack came as
offensive to secure the area by denying Pakistanis expected as the enemy moved 107 Infantry Brigade
use of the salient, with a view to capture Garibpur. and an Armoured Squadron of M24 Chaffee tanks
14 Punjab along with ‘C’ Squadron, 45 Cavalry were from Jessore. The first attack came at 0600 hours
tasked for the operation. and ‘C’ Squadron 45 Cavalry was well prepared.
The Squadron Commander, Major DS Narang had
The attacking forces planned a silent attack on skillfully deployed his PT-76 light tanks, which
night 20–21 November and moved a patrol ahead of stopped the enemy assault in its tracks by accurate
the main body of troops. The patrol unfortunately and lethal fire. Three more assaults came as the
encountered an enemy patrol and a clash ensued Pakistani Brigade stepped up the tempo and ferocity
thus losing the element of surprise. CO 14 of its attacks, but 14 PUNJAB and ‘C’ Squadron
PUNJAB then ordered the troops to close in onto stood firm and fought ferociously, even as the last
the objective swiftly so as to regain the initiative. assault reached within 25 yards of their frontlines.
Four companies of the battalion and a squadron of Pakistani losses were 60-70 killed, 100 wounded
tanks swiftly occupied Garibpur by 0300 hours on and 11 tanks destroyed, whereas Indian losses were
21 November after fierce fighting. The enemy was seven killed, 22 wounded and three tanks only.
expected to react violently and resort to a counter-
attack to retake the position. A recce patrol and an In this glorious battle, one Infantry battalion
Artillery observer was sent ahead of the position in and a squadron of tanks stopped and beaten back
the foggy night and the patrol picked up sounds of a Pakistani brigade attack. Major DS Narang was
approaching Pakistani tanks. A message was sent to severely injured and succumbed on the battlefield.
the battalion and the troops & tanks then readjusted He was later awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his
to face the enemy from the expected direction of exemplary leadership and gallantry.
2 Baatcheet July 2021
July 2021
From the Editor’s Desk
T he Indo-Pakistan Kargil Conflict
was fought between May to July
1999 in Kargil & Leh districts, along
the Line of Control extending from Zoji La in the
West to Turtuk in the East. The conflict is referred
to as Operation VIJAY (Kargil). The cause of
this conflict was the infiltration of Pakistan's
Northern Light Infantry into positions on the
Indian side of the Line of Control overlooking
and threatening National Highway 1D. This
was one of the toughest and longest campaigns
of modern times, as battles took place in high
Battle of Garibpur (November 1971) .......................... 2
altitude areas at heights above 12,000 feet. Our
valiant soldiers ably supported by the Artillery Chief’s Page................................................................ 4
and Indian Air Force fought legendary battles in In Focus...................................................................... 5
Kargil, Dras, Kaksar, Batalik and Turtuk Sectors.
Snippets...................................................................6-7
Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated on 26 Kargil Vijay Diwas Special ......................................8-9
July every year as a saga of gallantry and valour
of the battles fought in the most inhospitable J & K and Ladakh Diary............................................ 10
terrain in the World. Indian Armed Forces North East Diary........................................................ 11
braving most difficult terrain, battling extreme Communique............................................................. 12
weather conditions fought valiantly on the steep
slopes of icy peaks with grit and valour, thus Welfare and Empowerment....................................... 13
emerging victorious defeating evil designs of the Training..................................................................... 14
enemy. 26 July 2021 marks the 22nd anniversary
Sports & Adventure .................................................. 15
of the Kargil Conflict. The event commemorates
the sacrifices of our comrades, rejoicing their Ceremonial Events ................................................... 16
victory and renewing the vow for the future. The
entire Nation commemorates our brave service
personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line CONTACT FOR QUERIES
of duty and strive together to ensure territorial Publisher : Additional Directorate General of Strategic
Communication, IHQ of MoD (Army)
integrity and pride of our great Nation. Office : B-30, South Block, New Delhi - 110011
Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249
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Editor Baatcheet Email : editorbaatcheet@gmail.com
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Baatcheet July 2021 3
We request our readers to send good quality, high resolution photographs for cover page of Baatcheet.
CHIEF’S PAGE
During his recent visit to Bangladesh, General MM The COAS accompanied by the Northern Army
Naravane, COAS gifted three simulators developed Commander visited the formations and units in
by Simulator Development Division, Secunderabad to Kashmir from 02 to 03 June 2021. Local Commanders
include an Infantry Weapon Training Simulator(IWTS), briefed the COAS on the existing security situation and
a Universal Driving Simulator (UDS) and a Virtual the measures instituted to foil infiltration by terrorists
Reality Based 84mm Rocket Launcher Training from POJK. The COAS interacted with the troops and
Simulator (VR-RL) to the COAS of Bangladesh Army. complimented them for their high morale and the high
These simulators will assist in the efficient training of state of operational preparedness. While appreciating
soldiers and honing their firing and driving skills. the current state of peace prevailing along the Line of
Control, he cautioned all commanders and troops to
not let their guard down and remain prepared to meet
any emerging security challenges effectively.
The COAS visited HQ Army Training
Command, Shimla on 25-26 June 2021 to
review the training and doctrinal aspects being
developed in the Army. He was briefed on issues
encompassing doctrinal corrections, operational
challenges, technology infusion & training
methodology and apprised about a number of
initiatives being undertaken to maximize the
effectiveness of military training, and steps
taken to make Professional Military Education
more contemporary and responsive to current
challenges.
Retiring Officers’ Seminar for officers superannuating The COAS had telephonic interaction with Lieutenant
on 30 June was conducted at New Delhi on 22 June General Richard M Burr, Chief of the Australian Army
2021. The COAS commended all retiring officers for on 30 June 2021 and discussed issues of bilateral
their service to the Nation and bid them adieu. defence cooperation.
4 Baatcheet July 2021
In focus
7TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
Indian Army celebrated 7th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2021. Yoga sessions including asana,
pranayama and dhyana sessions were organised for all ranks and their families by various Formations/
Military Stations across the country, wherein the importance of discipline and harmony between the
mind and the body was reinforced in all the participants who were unanimous in acknowledging the
benefits of Yoga. In some Stations, online Yoga sessions were organised with full adherence to COVID-19
protocols. A soldier has to be physically and mentally fit at all times and yoga fulfils this twin purpose.
Troops deployed in forward areas
in Northern Command performed
Yoga to spread the message of
physical, mental and spiritual well
being from the highest mountains
and the picturesque valleys. The
Army encourages its troops to
incorporate Yoga in daily life to
remain mentally and physically
agile.
Yoga Day at MONUSCO Force
HQ in Democratic Republic
of Congo was organised by
301 Infantry Brigade Group.
The event was attended by the
MONUSCO Force Commander
and 125 other peacekeepers. The
importance of healthy body in a
healthy mind including control
of breath was explained to the
attendees.
Baatcheet July 2021 5
snippets Hon’ble Raksha Mantri (RM) accompanied by the COAS, visited Ladakh from 27-29 June 2021 to carry out a comprehensive review of India’s operational readiness in Eastern Ladakh. The RM was briefed on the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness by GOC Fire and Fury Corps, wherein he was apprised about various aspects related to the deployment of troops and measures taken to deal with any misadventure by the adversary. The RM also inaugurated several infra projects constructed by the BRO and interacted with troops deployed in the region. GOC-in-C Central Command reviewed the operational GOC-in-C Sapta Shakti Command reviewed operational preparedness of the Shatrujeet Brigade on 05 June 2021. preparedness & mission reliability of a formation of The Army Commander exhorted all ranks to maintain a Chetak Corps undergoing training at Mahajan Field high standard of equipment readiness and be righteous Firing Ranges. He also witnessed live firing and all in their conduct. weather combat power capability of the formation. ‘Dot On Target’ Division conducted successful trial Bison Division organised an Organ Donation Pledging run of a Critical Rolling Stock rake & a modified BRN Camp & Blood Donation Camp at Secunderabad on rake with diverse military equipment on the newly 17 June 2021, wherein 750 soldiers pledged to donate commissioned Western Dedicated Freight Corridor on their organs to the needy people. The organ donation 14 June 2021. This corridor would lead to a faster & initiative was coordinated by the Armed Forces Organ swifter mobilisation. Retrieval and Transplantation Authority. 6 Baatcheet July 2021
snippets
GOC-in-C Southern Command visited Bhopal to review General Bipin Rawat, CDS visited forward areas of
operational readiness of Sudarshan Chakra Corps. Central Sector along the LAC on 29 June 2021. He was
He was briefed by GOC Sudarshan Chakra Corps on briefed by the local commanders on the operational
contemporary operational and administrative initiatives situation and interacted with the troops, complimenting
including innovative measures undertaken to fight them for their high morale & steadfastness.
COVID-19.
GOC-in-C Western Command reviewed the operational Kharga Corps, in a joint effort with Ambala District
preparedness of Airawat Division on 04 June 2021 and Administration and Red Cross Society organised a blood
lauded the formation for its innovative approach to donation camp at Sirhind Club on the occasion of World
training, while adhering to the restrictions enforced due Blood Donation Day on 14 June 2021. 150 volunteers
to COVID-19. He exhorted all ranks to be prepared for from the Army donated blood to augment the Blood
future operational challenges. Bank amidst the pandemic.
A four year old boy who fell into a 89 feet deep borewell in Medical Oxygen Generation Plant imported from South
Agra on 14 Jun 2021 was rescued by the joint team of Army Korea & distributed by Best Group, Gurgaon was installed
and District Administration. Para-Sappers of Shatrujeet at Armed Forces Clinic on 03 June 2021. This plant can
Brigade were tasked for rescue operation and the boy was generate oxygen at the rate of 45 litres per minute & will go
successfully rescued after a day long operation. a long way in meeting emergent requirements of patients
in the AFC.
Baatcheet July 2021 7
KARGIL VIJAY D
TOLOLING
BATTLE OF TOLOLING WAS PIVOTAL IN TURNING THE
TIDE AND BREAKING THE BACK OF PAKISTANI INVASION.
MAJOR VIVEK GUPTA, NAIK DIGENDRA KUMAR, MAJOR
PADMAPANI ACHARYA AND CAPTAIN N KENGURUSE
LEAD FROM FRONT IN THIS EPIC BATTLE.
TIGER HILL
ON 08 JULY 1999 INDIAN TRICOLOUR WAS HOISTED
TH
ON TIGER HILL TOP. GRENADIER YOGENDER SINGH
YADAV, LIEUTENANT BALWAN SINGH, AND MANY OTHER
GALLANT SOLDIERS ARE STILL REMEMBERED FOR
THE UNMATCHED VALOUR WHICH EPITOMISED RAW
COURAGE OF INDIAN BRAVEHEARTS.
8 Baatcheet
Baatcheet April
July 2021
2021
DIWAS SPECIAL
BATALIK
FIERCE PATRIOTISM OF YOUNG OFFICERS LIKE
LIEUTENANT MANOJ KUMAR PANDEY AND MAJOR
SARAVANAN IN THE FINAL ASSAULT ON PAKISTANI
INTRUDERS IN BATALIK TURNED THE AREA INTO A
MACABRE GRAVEYARD FOR ENEMY TROOPS AS THE
NATION ACHIEVED A HEROIC VICTORY MARKED BY
SUPREME SACRIFICE OF THESE BRAVEHEARTS.
Battle of Point 4875
On 07 July 1999, 13 JAKRIF was tasked to clear a narrow
feature (Point 4875) with heavily fortified enemy
defences that covered the only approach to it.
Capt Vikram Batra assaulted the enemy position
and killed many enemy soldiers in a fierce hand
to hand fight. He rallied his men and pressed on
the attack to capture Point 4875. His inspirational
quote ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ continues to inspire
the Indian soldiers.
Baatcheet
Baatcheet April
July 2021
2021 9
J & K AND LADAKH diary
Chinar Corps provided requisite gear and organised a
White Knight Corps organised blood donation camp in trekking camp for four days at Ajas in Kashmir for the local
Rajauri on 14 June 2021, in which 100 Army personnel youth. River crossing, survival techniques & first aid were
participated. An awareness drive for the locals residing taught to the participants and an adventure node for future
in remote areas near the LC was also organised. endeavours was also set up.
Chinar Corps re-dedicated & renamed the Army Northern Command conducted interactive sessions with
Goodwill School, Budkot, Handwara as ‘Ashutosh Army the locals in Manasbal, Shahgund, Hajin & Aragam.
Goodwill School’, in memory of Late Colonel Ashutosh Education system, tourism, perception of youth towards
Sharma, SM** on 25 June 2021. Mrs Pallavi Ashutosh sports & measures to take forward the peace in the
addressed the gathering & unveiled the Ashutosh Gallery. Kashmir Valley were discussed.
Chingam village in Kishtwar district, adopted by the
Officiating GOC Fire & Fury Corps laid a wreath at Leh Army, recorded 100% vaccination for COVID-19 in the
War Memorial on 15 June 2021 to pay homage to the 20 over 45 age population. It was possible due to excellent
bravehearts who laid down their lives on 15 June 2020 in synergy with the Civil Administration, wherein Army
Galwan Valley, while defending the territorial integrity provided the logistics support to civil medical staff & a
and sovereignty of the country. vigorous campaign convinced the elders to vaccinate.
10 Baatcheet July 2021NORTH EAST DIARY
During his visit to Trishakti Corps, GOC-in-C Eastern Command was briefed by GOC Trishakti Corps on the
operational situation & preparedness in the Corps Zone. He complimented the efforts & commitment of troops in the
forward areas and appreciated the manner in which they were braving the harsh weather conditions and inhospitable
terrain. On 12 June 2021, the Army Commander met the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim and discussed various activities
being undertaken by the Army.
Military Hospital Shillong and Base Hospital Guwahati Assam Rifles organised ‘World Against Child Abuse
have been at the forefront for management of COVID-19 Day’ at Child Care Centre, Jalukie on 12 June 2021.
patients since the outbreak of the pandemic. Both the 20 children attended the interactive session where
hospitals have commenced vaccination of civilians in they were informed about the various types of abuses
addition to serving and ex-servicemen personnel. involving physical, emotional and neglect of basic rights.
In the challenging times of pandemic, Gajraj Corps Spear Corps commemorated supreme sacrifice of Captain
provided COVID-19 relief material for the frontline N Kengurüse, MVC in Kargil Conflict, at his native
workers and local populace at Tawang, Arunachal village Pheza in Nagaland by wreath laying, vaccination
Pradesh. The timely assistance was deeply appreciated by drive and felicitating the braveheart’s parents.
the citizens.
Baatcheet July 2021 11COMMUNIQUE
IMPORTANT UPDATES
ARMY WELFARE EDUCATION SOCIETY
1. Introduction of New Programmes in Army Professional Institutions from
Academic Year 2022-23 :-
Institute Programme Seats per Year
Army Institute of Technology 2 Year ME (Data Science) 24
(AIT), Pune
Army Institute of Fashion 3 Year B Sc (Interior Design 60
and Design (AIFD), Benga- & Decoration)
luru
2. Commissioning of New Campus for Army Institute of Management, Kolkata.
GOC-in-C Eastern Command inaugurated the new campus, constructed at an
approximate cost of Rs 100 Crores, at New Town / Rajarhat, Kolkata on 27 May 2021.
MS BRANCH HELP DESK
1. In order to provide an interactive single point contact for all officers of Indian
Army, MS Helpdesk in IHQ of MoD (Army) has been made operational since
01 May 2021 to provide clarification on all HR issues handled by the MS Branch.
2. The Helpdesk established in MS Branch is operational on all working days from 1000h
to 1600h and has the following facilities:
(a) ASCON No : 35664/35686.
(b) Civil Land Line No : 011-23019795.
(c) Video Conference ID MS_HELPDESK for VC facility, when required (on ADN,
'My Space').
12 Baatcheet July 2021welfare and empowerment
During an official visit to Shimla, General MM Contributing towards the fight against COVID-19,
Naravane, COAS and Mrs Veena Naravane, President Army Wives Welfare Association presented oxygen
AWWA met and honoured the next of kin of Sepoy cylinders to 92 Base Hospital, BB Cantt and COVID
Ankush, Sena Medal, who made the supreme sacrifice Care Centre, Rangreth in Srinagar on 03 June 2021.
at Galwan in June 2020.
On World Environment Day, Southern Command Mon Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed wheelchairs
continued with its mega initiative of planting over one & hearing aids to differently abled villagers of Mon
and a half lakh saplings and one lakh seed balls through district on 25 June 2021. The initiative to reach out to
136 Territorial Army Battalion (Ecological). The drive persons who do not have access to medical treatment
will witness a transformation of over 100 hectare & can't afford these equipment, was welcomed by the
deforested land at various locations in Pune into green locals who expressed their gratitude to the Unit.
zones.
Red Shield Division in coordination with civil On the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse
administration conducted COVID vaccination drive for and Illicit Trafficking, Sabse Behtar Brigade organised
the locals in Miao Sub Division of Arunachal Pradesh an awareness lecture cum counselling session for Army
from 16 to 19 June 2021. 1037 individuals were vaccinated personnel and their families at Nasirabad to combat
during the drive. misinformation & drug related facts.
Baatcheet July 2021 13TRAINING GOC-in-C Western Command reviewed the passing out The passing out parade of Technical Entry Scheme-37 Course at parade at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun the Cadets Training Wing, CME Pune, held on 12 June 2021 was on 12 June 2021. 341 Indian gentleman cadets and 84 reviewed by the Commandant of CME. 33 Gentleman Cadets, foreign cadets (from nine countries) were commissioned including three from Bhutan & two from Sri Lanka, were as officers. commissioned as officers. Attestation Parade to mark entry of 614 recruits into the After rigorous training, 222 soldiers passed out from Army as young soldiers was held at the JAKLI Regimental Jammu & Kashmir Rifle Regimental Centre, Jabalpur on Centre on 25 June 2021. The magnificent parade was 22 May 2021. The attestation parade was reviewed by the reviewed by the GOC of Chinar Corps. Commandant of JAKRIF Regimental Centre. Armoured Regiment undertook zeroing of tanks Attestation Parade by 162 recruits of KUMAON & NAGA and field firing at an altitude of 16000 ft in Sub Sector Regiments was held at the KUMAON Regimental Centre North, Eastern Ladakh. Firing of tanks in HAA is a very on 05 Jun 2021. The Centre Commandant reviewed the important operational activity, wherein, operational parade and presented medals to the winners. efficacy of the equipment and crew skills are integrated. 14 Baatcheet July 2021
SPORTS & ADVENTURE
Havildar Sanjeet Kumar of ‘Brigade of the Guards’ and Subedar Amit Panghal of ‘Mahar Regiment’ won Gold Medal in
91 kg and Silver Medal in 52 kg weight category respectively at ASBC Asian Boxing Championship 2021 held in Dubai.
Havildar Sanjeet defeated Rio Olympic silver medalist Vassiliy Levit of Kazakhstan in the final.
Bison Division organised a 30 Km Cyclothon at Secunderabad on 20 June 2021. 40 enthusiastic riders participated in
the event to spread awareness about healthy living and Fit India Mission. Regular cycling increases muscle strength and
flexibility in the body and leads to decrease in stress levels.
Subedar Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in Javelin throw at the Karlstad Grand Prix in Sweden, a World Athletics
Continental Tour event, held on 22 June 2021. He finished third with a throw of 86.79m at the Kuortane Games in
Finland on 26 June 2021. The reigning Asian and Commonwealth Games champion has already qualified for the Tokyo
Olympics.
Baatcheet July 2021 15CEREMONIAL EVENTs
Army Educational Corps (AEC) celebrated its 101st
Corps Day on 01 June 2021. In its 100 years of
glorious history, the Corps has dedicated itself towards
Educational Training with zeal & enthusiasm. Owing
to the concerted & sustained efforts, the Corps has
seamlessly adapted to the evolving demands of providing
quality education & empowerment. The role of AEC
in successful implementation of continuous education
programmes like IGNOU Army Education Project and
NIOS Education Project for IA have been noteworthy.
The Corps has also been at the forefront of training in
Map Reading, academics at PCTAs, military music,
foreign languages as well as handling RTI cases and
shaping young minds in Rashtriya Military Schools and
Sainik Schools.
50th Raising Day of Northern Command was celebrated on 17 June
2021. On this occasion, Chief of Staff, HQ Northern Command
laid wreath at the Dhruva War Memorial in Udhampur and paid
homage to the gallant soldiers of the Command who have made
supreme sacrifice for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the
country. Northern Command was raised on 17 June 1972 and its
resolute response against aggression on the Line of Control & Line
of Actual Control has won numerous accolades. The Command
has been at the forefront to assist the civil administration and
people of UTs of J & K and Ladakh during natural calamities like
snow blizzards, earthquakes, cloudbursts, floods and frequent
avalanches. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is yet another
example wherein the Command has gone out of its way to support
the people, in their times of need.
On 13th death anniversary of Field Marshal SHFJ White Knight Corps was raised on 01 June 1972. Corps
Manekshaw, MC, a wreath was laid by officers of DSSC has a rich history, a saga of valour and bravery in all major
Wellington on 27 June 2021 at the final resting place wars and various operations including CT operations
of the revered soldier on behalf of the Defence Forces. till date. On its 49th Raising Day, the General Officer
Field Marshal Manekshaw’s distinguished military career Commanding paid tribute to the brave hearts by laying
spanned four decades and five wars including 1971 wreath at “Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal” in Nagrota.
Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Next Edition of Baatcheet will cover the theme ‘ARTRAC Special’.
16 Baatcheet July 2021You can also read
