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Battle of Longewala | The Most Decisive Indo-Pak War of 1971

Mighty Monk・17 minutes read

The 1971 battle at Longewala was a crucial moment in the third Indo-Pak war, where Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri and his outnumbered troops demonstrated remarkable bravery against a larger Pakistani force, ultimately leading to a decisive Indian victory. This conflict highlighted both the strategic miscalculations of the Pakistani military and the vital support provided by the Indian Air Force, which significantly influenced the battle's outcome.

Insights

  • The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was marked by the significant battle at Longewala, where Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri and his 120 soldiers displayed remarkable bravery against approximately 3,000 Pakistani troops, ultimately leading to a decisive Indian victory that altered the course of the war.
  • The battle showcased critical strategic errors by the Pakistani military, who underestimated the Indian defenses and were misled by the belief that the area was heavily fortified, allowing Indian forces to prepare effectively and receive crucial air support, which contributed to the destruction of Pakistani tanks and boosted Indian morale.

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Summary

00:00

Longewala Battle: A Turning Point in 1971

  • The third war between India and Pakistan began in December 1971, with a pivotal battle occurring at Longewala in Rajasthan, significantly impacting the Indo-Pak war's outcome.
  • On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched attacks on multiple Indian airfields, prompting India to declare war on December 4, 1971, in retaliation, while Pakistan aimed to exploit India's focus on the Eastern Front.
  • Pakistan's strategy involved capturing key areas in Rajasthan, including Ramgarh and Jaisalmer, to negotiate from a position of strength after the war, underestimating Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri and his 120 soldiers.
  • Major Chandpuri's battalion faced approximately 3,000 Pakistani soldiers, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and resilience, ultimately leading to a significant defeat for the Pakistani forces.
  • The battle at Longewala lasted from December 4 to December 7, 1971, and is celebrated for the courage displayed by the Indian soldiers, who were heavily outnumbered yet refused to retreat.
  • On the night of December 4, Lieutenant Dharamveer Singh detected enemy movements, leading Major Chandpuri to prepare his limited forces for an imminent attack, despite being outgunned.
  • The Indian forces at Longewala were equipped with minimal weaponry, including two medium artillery guns and anti-tank rocket launchers, while the Pakistani army had advanced tanks and a larger infantry force.
  • As the Pakistani army advanced, they mistakenly believed the area was heavily fortified with landmines, which delayed their attack and allowed Indian forces to prepare for defense.
  • The Indian Air Force provided crucial support on December 5, 1971, with Hunter fighter jets attacking Pakistani tanks, contributing to the destruction of five tanks and bolstering Indian morale.
  • The battle exemplified the strategic miscalculations of the Pakistani military and the valor of the Indian soldiers, with Major Chandpuri's leadership being instrumental in the defense of Longewala, ultimately preventing a significant Pakistani advance into India.

16:07

India's Decisive Defense at Longewala Post

  • The Indian Air Force launched a rapid attack on Pakistani positions, resulting in significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers, with 120 reported killed and 36 tanks destroyed, primarily by air strikes from Indian Hunters. The initial assault led to a retreat of Pakistani forces, who believed the Indian military was low on rockets and would not return for further attacks.
  • By 8:00 AM on December 5, 1971, the 20th Lancer of the 12th Infantry Division, equipped with Max 13 tanks and T-54 tanks, arrived at the Longewala Post under the command of Karnal Baba Gurbachan Singh. The 17th Battalion Rajputana Rifles also joined to reinforce the Indian defense against a planned Pakistani attack.
  • At 9:00 AM, an impending attack by two companies of Pakistan C was canceled by Brigadier Tarikh Mir, who ordered his troops to disperse. Despite this, the Indian Air Force continued its assaults throughout the day, leading to further destruction of Pakistani units and forcing them to retreat by the afternoon.
  • The battle, which lasted from December 5 to December 7, 1971, saw India successfully defend the Longewala Post, with Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri's leadership being pivotal in repelling the Pakistani forces. His actions earned him the Mahavir Chakra, and the conflict was later depicted in the 1997 Bollywood film "Border," highlighting the significant military engagement and its outcomes.
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