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Chandigarh Dec.15, 2021:- To coincide with the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a book 'War In The East, Liberation of Bangladesh, 1971.' was released here, in the presence of veterans. The book is written by Colonel Ranbir Singh, VrC(Retd) who also participated in the war & was then a Major with 4 Rajput Regiment. The book illustrates the courage, determination & die-hard spirit of Indian soldiers, who faced challenging circumstances & dangerous situations involving risks to their lives. This resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh from the tyrannical rule of East Pakistan.
The following retired war veterans graced the occasion -Lt General Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM. Former Lt Governor Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry; Lt General HS Panag, PVSM, AVSM, former Northern Army Commander, Lt General G S Sihota, PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VM ,Major Generals PC Puri & J S Dhillon, Brigadier's H S Lamba, MS Dullat, Harwant Singh & PS Mann. The book was released by Chief Guest General Bhopinder Singh and guests' of honour. A unique aspect was that a majority of veterans present had participated in the war for the liberation of Bangladesh. Ms Savita Bhatti who is a celebrity herself conducted the proceedings of the program.
Colonel Ranbir Singh said that the book highlights & is a testament to the valour of Indian soldiers and leadership at junior level. A record 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered and were taken prisoners' of war by the Indian Army on Dec 16, 1971.
Talking about the distinctive features of the book, Colonel Ranbir said that while most of the war books on the East Pakistan war have been written from the higher perspective of top military commanders, my book has been written from the grass roots level. The stress has been laid on Battalion level operations highlighting junior commanders' leadership. Majority of the books' cover a specific unit or formation whereas my book covers the entire offensive operation by India's Eastern Command and illustrates the war in its entirety.
He said that the Indian Army weaved a 'chakravyuh' to ensure success. He added that it was meticulous planning, which was relentlessly executed to perfection by all sub units, which he has mentioned in the book. The book has 163 pages. The sequence includes background, trigger point, and actions prior to declaration of war by Pakistan on December 3, 1971. The main offensive is covered in five parts.
The distinguishing feature of the book which sets it apart from others is detailed illustrations through 38 maps and sketches. Every map or sketch mentions the name of the unit, the date and the place which was being tackled.
Colonel Ranbir Singh said that it took me two years to research & write the book. He has written about those who fought alongside me and sacrificed their lives. The book is a statement of the die-hard spirit, discipline, loyalty, superior training & zest to complete the given task with missionary zeal.
Col. Ranbir took part in both 1965 & 1971 wars. He was wounded in Kargil attack on 17th May 1965, & was awarded Veer Chakra for gallantry. His family has the distinction of serving the Indian Army and the nation for four generations. His father Brig Sukhdev Singh was awarded the Military Cross in World War II and Veer Chakra in 1948. The family has a history of sacrifice. His elder brother Bharpur Singh Kang's son Capt Karminder Singh Kang was killed in action in Sri Lanka in 1989.
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