1971 War: 9 JAT in the Battle of Chhamb

During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, the Battle of Chhamb is regarded as the most intense, bloody, fierce, and decisive battle. For their offensive, Pakistan had gathered a sizable and powerful force under the 23 Infantry Division. Pakistan wanted to take Akhnur, a strategically significant town. However, on December 1, 1971, the Indian 10 Infantry Division's mission was finally redesigned fourth time to adopt a defensive posture. This last-minute change in strategy had a significant impact on how the battle was fought which resulted in loss of Chhamb, second time (earlier in 1965 war).68 Infantry Brigade of which 9 JAT was a part, was moved from Khrew (Srinagar) to Chhamb Sector as part of Corps Offensive force.

9 JAT was fully prepared for the offensive which was abruptly changed to defensive when Pakistan carried out air strikes on our airfield on 03 Dec 1971 in the western sector, which caught us totally unaware and unprepared. As a consequence, 191 Infantry Brigade responsible for the defences on the border were forced by the enemy to withdraw on the Eastern bank of Manawar Tawi river, via the Chhamb bridge which was also destroyed by our troops to have a clean break from the advancing enemy. 9 JAT, part of 68 Infantry Brigade was asked to occupy hasty defences on the Eastern bank of Manawar Tawi. The area for defence was new to the unit which was totally unsuitable for the defences due high sarkanda grass and river bed. The unit (9 JAT) was asked to stall Pakistan's armoured advance from these hastily prepared defences, bereft of any anti tank weapons or mines etc. The Pakistan armour hit 9 JAT defences on Raipur and Darh crossings on the night of 9/10 Dec 1971. Our brave jawans fiercely defended their positions, repelling multiple Pakistani attacks despite their weak defences. 9 JAT suffered very heavy casualties, including Officers-3, JCOs -3 and ORs- 76 killed on the night of 9/10 Dec 1971. In order to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of these martyrs, their valour has been recorded in this book as a history for the posterity to drive inspiration and lessons from this Battle of Chhamb - 1971.

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The author is a retired Brigadier from the Indian Army. He is recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal from the President of India and Commendation Card from the Army Chief for his meritorious services. He has participated in three wars.

He is a graduate from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and MSc in Defence Studies. He is also an MBA (HR) from All India Institute of Management Studies Chennai.

Has travelled far and wide upto the remotest corners of India and has also visited number of major Asian and European countries.

After retirement he had a tenure of over two years with a Corporate Sector as Vice President (Operations).

Presently he is CEO of CORDIA group of Colleges and Educational institutes.