Latest news with #Indo-PakistaniWarof1971
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Battle of Longewala: When 120 Indians made 2,000 Pakistanis flee in fear
On the cold desert night of 4 December 1971, while most of the country slept, a tiny Indian Army post in Rajasthan's Thar Desert was preparing for a deadly fight. This was the Battle of Longewala , one of the most heroic moments in Indian military history. At the time, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 had begun. India's main focus was on the eastern front, where the goal was to support the creation of Bangladesh. The western front, where Longewala is located, was expected to remain quiet. #Operation Sindoor India responds to Pak's ceasefire violation; All that happened India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: Who said what Punjab's hopes for normalcy dimmed by fresh violations But Pakistan had other plans. Read more: Cost of conflict: How India and Pakistan spend their money on defence GIF89a����!�,D; Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Pakistani President Yahya Khan followed the key strategy of 'the defence of East Pakistan lies in the West". He knew East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) couldn't be defended for long, so he decided to attack western India and capture territory to use as a bargaining chip during peace talks. While most eyes were on the east, just 120 Indian soldiers from the 23rd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment were guarding the Longewala post. They were led by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri. The post was surrounded by sand dunes and had very little backup. Live Events Then came news of a massive Pakistani force, over 2,000 soldiers with 40 tanks and heavy artillery, heading their way. Chandpuri was given a choice: retreat to Ramgarh or stay and fight. He chose to stand his ground. As the enemy tanks rumbled through the desert, an Indian patrol heard the noise. There was no time to waste. The soldiers quickly laid a fake anti-tank minefield and took up their positions. At around 12:30 a.m., Pakistani tanks opened fire. The sky lit up with explosions. But the Indian soldiers didn't panic. They waited until the tanks were very close, just 15 to 30 metres away, then fired back with recoilless rifles and shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons. Two tanks were destroyed immediately. Many others got stuck in the soft desert sand. The Pakistani soldiers saw barbed wire and assumed there were landmines ahead. They stopped and waited nearly two hours to send engineers only to find it was a trick. That delay gave the Indian side precious time to prepare and strategise. Read More: Pakistan's gameplan: Always the aggressor, always the loser With no proper maps and little knowledge of the desert terrain, many Pakistani tanks got trapped. The Indian post sat on a small hill, giving them a clear view and a major advantage. To make things worse for Pakistan, it was a full moon night. When their fuel tanks caught fire, the battlefield lit up, making it even easier for Indian troops to aim. The Indian soldiers were brave, but they couldn't hold on forever. At dawn, help finally arrived, from the sky. Indian Air Force jets, Hawker Hunters and HAL Maruts, flew in. Since Pakistan had no air cover, the jets faced no resistance. A brave air controller flying a small aircraft guided the attack. The jets fired rockets and machine guns at the enemy tanks and trucks. The desert turned into a nightmare for the Pakistani army. IAF pilots later described it as a 'turkey shoot' -- the enemy had no chance. By the end of the six-hour battle, Pakistan had lost 36 tanks, over 100 vehicles, and many soldiers. The Indian side had minimal losses. Reinforcements soon arrived, and the remaining Pakistani soldiers fled, leaving behind burnt tanks and shattered trucks.
Mint
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Mock drill in India tomorrow. But what happened in 1971? Here's a throwback
Mock drill in India: All states and Union Territories will conduct mock drills on Wednesday, May 7, in the wake of 'new and complex threats' that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The exercises will include air-raid warning sirens, and training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a 'hostile attack' and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union territories said. A similar exercise was carried out in India some 50 years ago ahead of 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Then, civil defence drills held across the country were a significant part of the Union government's strategy to prepare the civilian population for potential air attacks by Pakistan. These drills were especially prominent in border and major urban areas. Civil defence drills aimed to reduce panic, save lives, and maintain order during wartime. Pakistan launched air strikes on December 3, 1971, targeting Indian air bases. The Indian government anticipated bombings on civilian and strategic locations. Operation Chengiz Khan was the code name assigned to the preemptive strikes by the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) on the forward airbases and radar installations of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the evening of December 3, 1971. This marked the formal initiation of hostilities of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. -These 1971 drills included covert military operations, coordination with the Mukti Bahini (earlier known as the Mukti Fauj, also known as the Bangladesh Forces), and strategic positioning of forces to prepare for the liberation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). -The drills included Air raid warnings and blackouts. The cities used air raid sirens to signal incoming attacks. Blackout drills required homes, shops, and government offices to turn off lights or cover windows with black cloth. -Evacuation and shelter training was also held. People were taught how to evacuate buildings quickly and move to designated shelters. Civil defence shelters were marked, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, and Agra. -Training was imparted on first aid and emergency services. Volunteers were trained in first aid, fire-fighting, and rescue techniques during the exercise Schools held mock bomb attack simulations to teach people how to react during emergencies. Posters, radio announcements, and newspaper columns gave specific instructions on what to do during an air raid, how to protect children, the elderly, and the injured, and how to report unexploded bombs or fire outbreaks. Frontline states like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal, as well as major metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, reportedly witnessed extensive activities. The prominent cities involved included Delhi and Agra due to cultural landmarks, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jodhpur – all border cities and airbase proximity – and Kolkata and Mumbai for the economic and port significance. During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the Taj Mahal was camouflaged to protect it from potential aerial attacks by Pakistan. The white marble Mughal Era mausoleum was covered with a large green cloth. Lights were switched off, and security was increased. The white marble structure was made to appear like a pile of bamboo and wood or an inconspicuous warehouse from the air. The idea was not to let the enemy pilots attack this iconic structure. Even before the 1971 war, amidst the turmoil of the Second World War in 1942, the British were concerned about the iconic structure to potential bombing raids by German Luftwaffe bombers and Japanese forces. As a precautionary measure, bamboo scaffolding was erected over the iconic structure. Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Jaisalmer Fort all underwent similar camouflage in 1971. Among other measures, factories, oil depots, communication towers, and railway yards were covered in nets, tarpaulins, and painted canvas in the run up to 1971 war. Some installations were masked entirely with foliage and mud. Blackout drills became routine across the country. People were asked to turn off all lights or cover windows with thick cloth and paper. Streetlights were switched off. Sirens were blown in the night hours, and civilians were trained to duck, evacuate, or reach the nearest shelter. Civil defence drills aimed to reduce panic, save lives, and maintain order during wartime. Residents rehearsed evacuation drills in border areas and metros alike.
Mint
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Mock drill in India tomorrow, but what happened in 1971? Here's a throwback
Mock drill in India: All states and Union Territories will conduct mock drills on Wednesday, May 7, in the wake of 'new and complex threats' that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The exercises will include air-raid warning sirens, and training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a 'hostile attack' and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union territories said. A similar exercise was carried out in India some 50 years ago ahead of 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Then, civil defence drills held across the country were a significant part of the Union government's strategy to prepare the civilian population for potential air attacks by Pakistan. These drills were especially prominent in border and major urban areas. Civil defence drills aimed to reduce panic, save lives, and maintain order during wartime. Pakistan launched air strikes on December 3, 1971, targeting Indian air bases. The Indian government anticipated bombings on civilian and strategic locations. Operation Chengiz Khan was the code name assigned to the preemptive strikes by the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) on the forward airbases and radar installations of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the evening of December 3, 1971. This marked the formal initiation of hostilities of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. -These 1971 drills included covert military operations, coordination with the Mukti Bahini (earlier known as the Mukti Fauj, also known as the Bangladesh Forces), and strategic positioning of forces to prepare for the liberation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). -The drills included Air raid warnings and blackouts. The cities used air raid sirens to signal incoming attacks. Blackout drills required homes, shops, and government offices to turn off lights or cover windows with black cloth. -Evacuation and shelter training was also held. People were taught how to evacuate buildings quickly and move to designated shelters. Civil defence shelters were marked, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, and Agra. -Training was imparted on first aid and emergency services. Volunteers were trained in first aid, fire-fighting, and rescue techniques during the exercise Schools held mock bomb attack simulations to teach people how to react during emergencies. Posters, radio announcements, and newspaper columns gave specific instructions on what to do during an air raid, how to protect children, the elderly, and the injured, and how to report unexploded bombs or fire outbreaks. Frontline states like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal, as well as major metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, reportedly witnessed extensive activities. The prominent cities involved included Delhi and Agra due to cultural landmarks, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jodhpur – all border cities and airbase proximity – and Kolkata and Mumbai for the economic and port significance. During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the Taj Mahal was camouflaged to protect it from potential aerial attacks by Pakistan. The white marble Mughal Era mausoleum was covered with a large green cloth. Lights were switched off, and security was increased. The white marble structure was made to appear like a pile of bamboo and wood or an inconspicuous warehouse from the air. The idea was not to let the enemy pilots do aerial reconnaissance or bombing missions. Even before the 1971 war, amidst the turmoil of the Second World War in 1942, the British were concerned about the iconic structure to potential bombing raids by German Luftwaffe bombers and Japanese forces. As a precautionary measure, bamboo scaffolding was erected over the iconic structure. Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Jaisalmer Fort all underwent similar camouflage in 1971. Among other measures, factories, oil depots, communication towers, and railway yards were covered in nets, tarpaulins, and painted canvas in the run up to 1971 war. Some installations were masked entirely with foliage and mud. Blackout drills became routine across the country. People were asked to turn off all lights or cover windows with thick cloth and paper. Streetlights were switched off. Sirens were blown in the night hours, and civilians were trained to duck, evacuate, or reach the nearest shelter. Civil defence drills aimed to reduce panic, save lives, and maintain order during wartime. Residents rehearsed evacuation drills in border areas and metros alike. Students, NCC cadets, Home Guards, and civil defence volunteers played a key role in these drills in 1971. Training sessions were also held in in schools, hospitals.
India.com
27-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Amid Tensions Between India And Pakistan Over Pahalgam Terror Attack, Check List Of Wars And Conflicts That Pitted Two Nations Against Each Other So Far
photoDetails english 2891781 Updated:Apr 27, 2025, 08:27 AM IST India Pakistan Conflict History 1 / 19 India and Pakistan have been embroiled in numerous wars, standoffs, and tensions since their partition in 1947. With Kashmir being the primary flashpoint, these two nations have witnessed full-scale wars, proxy conflicts, and military standoffs that have dramatically influenced the South Asian geopolitical environment. The Pahalgam Terror Attack in April 2025, which killed atleast 26 tourists, has further worsened relations, leading to major diplomatic and strategic fallout. Here is a list of major Indo-Pakistan Wars and their causes: First Indo-Pakistani War (1947-1948) 2 / 19 First Indo-Pakistani War (1947-1948) Background: The first Indo-Pak war broke out over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India. After tribal militias backed by Pakistan invaded Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh sought Indian military support and agreed to accede to India. First Indo-Pakistani War (1947-1948) 3 / 19 Conflict: Following the accession, India sent its troops to repel the invaders. The conflict resulted in the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) after a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949. India retained control over two-thirds of Kashmir, while Pakistan occupied the remaining territory, now known as Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Second Indo-Pakistani War (1965) 4 / 19 Second Indo-Pakistani War (1965) Background: Rooted in the unresolved Kashmir dispute, the second war began when Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, attempting to incite rebellion in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Second Indo-Pakistani War (1965) 5 / 19 Conflict: India retaliated with full military force. The war lasted for 17 intense days with heavy casualties and tank battles. International mediation by the Soviet Union and the USA led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, ending active hostilities, although the Kashmir issue remained unresolved. Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War) 6 / 19 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War) Background: The 1971 conflict was triggered by the Bangladesh Liberation Movement in East Pakistan. After widespread atrocities by Pakistani forces under Operation Searchlight, millions fled to India, creating a humanitarian crisis. Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War) 7 / 19 Conflict: India formally entered the war after Pakistan's preemptive strikes. In a swift 13-day campaign, India captured 90,000 Pakistani troops, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The Shimla Agreement was later signed, wherein India returned captured territories in the spirit of peace-building. Kargil War (1999) 8 / 19 Kargil War (1999) Background: In 1999, Pakistani troops and militants infiltrated Indian positions along the LoC in the Kargil sector of Kashmir, triggering a full-blown conflict. Kargil War (1999) 9 / 19 Conflict: India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the occupied heights. After intense fighting, Indian forces regained control within two months. Heavy international pressure, especially from the U.S., forced Pakistan to withdraw. Pakistan suffered major casualties and acknowledged defeat, making the Kargil War one of the most significant post-nuclear conflicts in the region. India Pakistan Conflict History 10 / 19 Significant Conflicts and Standoffs Between India and Pakistan Siachen Conflict (1984-2003) 11 / 19 Siachen Conflict (1984-2003): The world's highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier, became a site of continuous military engagement between India and Pakistan. Beginning in 1984 with India's Operation Meghdoot, the conflict persisted for decades, costing countless lives without significant territorial changes, and was largely driven by strategic posturing over the un-demarcated territory. 2001-2002 India-Pakistan Standoff 12 / 19 2001-2002 India-Pakistan Standoff: Triggered by the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament by terrorists allegedly linked to Pakistan, tensions escalated to near-war conditions. Massive troop mobilizations took place, and both nations stood on the brink of war before international diplomatic intervention helped de-escalate the situation. 2008 Mumbai Attacks 13 / 19 2008 Mumbai Attacks: The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, carried out by militants linked to Pakistan-based groups, reignited severe tensions. India responded by strengthening counter-terrorism measures and demanding action against perpetrators, while Pakistan mobilized its troops defensively along the border, once again leading to fears of conflict. 2016 Uri Attack and Surgical Strikes 14 / 19 2016 Uri Attack and Surgical Strikes: Following a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Kashmir, India conducted surgical strikes across the LoC, targeting terror launch pads. This marked a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism policy and heightened military tensions between the two neighbors. 2019 Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrikes 15 / 19 2019 Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrikes: In February 2019, a suicide bomber killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir. India retaliated with airstrikes on terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Pakistan responded with airstrikes of its own, and an Indian pilot was captured and later released. These events brought India and Pakistan dangerously close to full-scale conflict again. 2025 Pahalgam Attack and Current Tensions 16 / 19 2025 Pahalgam Attack and Current Tensions: The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which killed atleast 26 Indian tourists, has plunged Indo-Pak relations to a new low. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari-Wagah border, and downgraded diplomatic ties. Pakistan has responded by fortifying its borders and halting bilateral agreements. Both countries now face a serious strategic standoff. History of Conflict Between India and Pakistan 17 / 19 Since 1947, India and Pakistan have fought four major wars and have engaged in several conflicts mainly centered around Kashmir. The Kashmir dispute has consistently been the flashpoint for military confrontations. Other factors, such as water-sharing issues, terrorism, and political tensions, have also fueled the conflict. Even agreements like the Tashkent Agreement (1966) and the Shimla Accord (1972) have failed to bring about lasting peace. India Pakistan Diplomatic Relations 18 / 19 The Indo-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most intense and dangerous rivalries in modern history. Despite international mediation and diplomatic agreements, deep-rooted issues like Kashmir, terrorism, and mistrust continue to fuel the conflict. The Pahalgam Attack in 2025 has reignited fears of a full-scale war. Pahalgam Terror Attack 2025 19 / 19 Pic Credits: ANI, Freepik (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
India Today
24-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Simla Agreement: All about the 1972 pact that shaped India-Pakistan relations
On July 2, 1972, in the aftermath of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, India and Pakistan signed the Simla Agreement in Shimla, India. This treaty aimed to lay the foundation for peaceful bilateral relations and address outstanding issues, notably the Kashmir dispute. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over this historic Thursday, April 24, Pakistan announced the suspension of the Simla Agreement, citing India's "manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan; trans-national killings, and non-adherence to international law and UN Resolutions on Kashmir."advertisementThis move followed India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Pakistan's response included blocking its airspace for Indian airlines, closing the Wagah border crossing, and halting all trade with 1971 WAR AND THE NEED FOR PEACEThe Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a significant conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. India's decisive victory resulted in the capture of over 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war and the occupation of strategic territories in the war's aftermath, both nations recognised the need for a framework to prevent future conflicts and address mutual Simla Agreement was signed between Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It was formalised on July 2, 1972, in Shimla following the 1971 war. advertisement KEY PROVISIONS OF THE SIMLA AGREEMENTThe Simla Agreement outlined several critical points to guide India-Pakistan relations:Peaceful resolution: Both countries agreed to resolve disputes through bilateral negotiations without involving third of Control (LoC): The ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was redefined as the Line of Control, with both sides committing not to alter it of prisoners: India agreed to release Pakistani prisoners of war, and Pakistan committed to normalising relations and recognising the sovereignty of provisions aimed to establish a foundation for lasting peace and mutual respect between the two AND LEGACYThe Simla Agreement has had a lasting impact on India-Pakistan relations:Bilateral framework: It established a precedent for resolving issues bilaterally, limiting external in Kashmir: The LoC became a de facto border, reducing large-scale conflicts in the engagements: The agreement paved the way for future dialogues and confidence-building measures between the two the agreement has faced challenges, with both nations accusing each other of violations and failing to uphold RELEVANCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTSThe recent suspension of the Simla Agreement by Pakistan underscores the fragile nature of India-Pakistan the agreement aimed to foster peace, evolving geopolitical dynamics and mutual distrust have strained its forward, both nations face the challenge of rebuilding trust and exploring new avenues for the principles of the Simla Agreement, with adaptations to contemporary realities, could serve as a starting point for renewed engagement and regional stability.
