Military plans of the Bangladesh Liberation War

Prior to Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, India had no plans for large scale military action in East Pakistan. Since the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the primary objective of the Indian Army Eastern Command was the defence of the Indian northern and eastern borders, defending the “Shiliguri Corridor’’,[1] and on combating insurgencies raging in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and the Naxalites in West Bengal.[2]

Pakistani Eastern Command plan for the defense of East Pakistan between 1967 -1971. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Since 1948 bulk of the Pakistani armed forces were stationed in West Pakistan and the strategic role of the forces in East Pakistan was to hold out until Pakistan defeated India in the west.[3] The Pakistan Army Eastern Command had planned to defend Dhaka until the last by ultimately concentrating their forces along the “Dhaka Bowl”, the area surrounded by the rivers Jamuna, Padma and Meghna.[4]

Indian Eastern Command deployments 1971

The Indian army kept parity with Pakistani forces stationed in East Pakistan since 1965, and in 1971 one armored brigade and one infantry division was deployed in West Bengal.[5] Other Eastern Command units were deployed in Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.[6] Eastern command had 4 administrative units: the Bengal Area corps (the 9th division and other units), the XXXIII corps (3rd armored brigade, 17th, 27th, 6th and 20th Mountain divisions) guarding the Shiliguri corridor, as well as ensuring security of Sikkim and Bhutan if needed, the 101st Communication Zone (no combat units, an administrative unit which operated in the area between the XXXIII and IV corps), while the IV corps (2nd, 5th, 23rd, 57th and 8th Mountain divisions) ensured the security of Assam, Arunachal, Monipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland.

April 1971: Indian Intervention in Bangladesh?

The main reason Maj. Gen. Rao Farman Ali and Lt. Gen. Shahabzada Yakub Khan (GOC East Pakistan) had opposed military action against Bengali civilians was the fear of an Indian attack,[7] which the Pakistan army was woefully unprepared to meet in March 1971. The 14th infantry division with its brigades posted at Comilla (53rd), Dhaka (57th), Rangpur (23rd) and Jessore (107th) was the only Pakistani unit in East Pakistan prior to March 1971. The issue of direct military intervention was discussed between the Indian military and political leadership in April 1971.[8] Although some Indian officers expected early intervention, Indian army command decided against immediate intervention, and concluded that a full attack could only take place after November 15 at the earliest, and only after deliberate and extensive preparations.[9] Indian Army Eastern Command took over responsibility for East Pakistan operations on April 29, and on May 15 launched Operation Jackpot, a full-fledged operation to arm, train, equip, supply and advice the Mukti Bahini fighters engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Pakistan armed forces.

Indian Eastern Command draft plan of operations in Bangladesh in May 1971. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Indian Army Eastern Command draft plan: May 1971

Indian Eastern Command began drafting an operational plan for military action in Bangladesh from May 1971. Indian planners assumed that Pakistani army would try to defend the whole of the province in order to prevent Mukti Bahini from establishing the government inside Bangladesh.[10] The main objectives of the May draft plan were:[11]

Proposed axis of advance

Eastern Command had concluded that The major rivers divided Bangladesh into 4 sectors:[13]

North – Western Sector (Pakistani designation Northern Sector):[14] The area north of the Padma and west of the Jamuna river. Bogra was the main communication hub and the sector is connected to the western sector through the Hardinge Bridge. The Shiliguri corridor, which is vital for road and rail communication with Eastern India, borders the northern tip of this sector.

A division size attack along the Hili – Gaibandha axis, expected to be heavily defended, aimed to capture Bogra. Later an alternative road was identified, and it was decided to launch a secondary attack on Hili while the main attack bypassed Hili, along the Parvatipur – Phulbari – Pirganj – Palashbari – Bogra axis.[15] Two brigade groups were to operate from Shiliguri area and from Cooch Bihar as needed.[16]

Western Sector (Pakistani designation Western Sector):[17] This area lies south of the Padma and west of the Meghna. The main communication hub is Jessore, along with Jhenaidah and Magura, and Khulna is a vital sea port. From Jessore a road runs east to Faridpur, and via ferry it is possible to approach Dhaka.

Two divisions were to attack along the Boyra – Garibpur – Jessore and Darshana – Kotchadpur – Jhenaidah axis.[18] The natural thrust lines along the Benapol – Jessore and Meherpur – Chuadanga – Jhenaidah, were expected to be heavily defended and was not considered. An infantry brigade was to move along Murshidabad – Kushtia line, capture the Hardinge bridge, then move south to Jhenaidah. Then the whole force would move towards Magura, cross the Madhumati and capture Faridpur. With the help of the Inland Waterways Flotilla, an assault towards Dhaka across the Padma would be launched.[19]

North Eastern Sector (Pakistani designation Dhaka Bowl):[20] This area sits to the east of river Jamuna, north of Padma and west of the Meghna and contains the city of Dhaka. A branch of the Jamuna flows to the north of Dhaka between the Jamuna to the Meghna rivers, while a rail bridge at Bhairab connects this area with the south eastern sector.

A division would advance along the Kamalpur – Jamalpur –Tangail – Dhaka axis.[21] An additional brigade would support the advance while a Para battalion could be airdropped to Tangail to cut off Pakistani forces.

South Eastern Sector (Pakistani designation Eastern Sector):[22] This lies to the east of Meghna, contains Sylhet, Comilla and the main seaport Chittagong. Control over Ashuganj, Chandpur and Daudkandi was vital to approach Dhaka.

3 divisions were to secure the area between Ashuganj and Chandpur, then if possible approach Dhaka by crossing the Meghna using helicopters or ferry – whichever was available.[23] Indian Navy would blockade Chittagong.

Mukti Bahini support was expected in all phases of the operation.

Proposed Force allotment

Indian Army HQ initially allocated the 9th infantry division, 4th Mountain division, the 50th Para Brigade (army HQ reserve), and the 340th brigade group for operations in the east alongside whatever forces Indian Eastern Command could assemble. Eastern command proposed the following allocation of forces:

1.The XXXIII corps would guard the Shiliguri corridor with the 71 Mountain brigade, which could also move against the North Western Sector, while the 20th Mountain division and the 340th brigade would bear the burnt of the fighting. The 3rd armored brigade can also be employed as needed.

2.The IV corps (8th, 57th and 23rd mountain divisions) would be responsible for the South Eastern Sector, while a rear HQ looked after Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and the Chinese border.

3.A new corps (4th Mountain and 9th divisions) was slated for the Western Sector operations.

4.The 6th Mountain (part of Army HQ reserve designated for operations in Bhutan against Chinese moves) and the 9th Mountain brigade would be used in the North Eastern Sector.

Seven divisions, 3 independent brigade groups, one armored brigade and the Mukti Bahini was earmarked for the draft plan, which was shared with the DMO, Lt. Gen. K.K. Singh. During May – November, while Mukti Bahini engaged Pakistani forces, Eastern Command, having never contemplated or anticipated large scale military action against East Pakistan[24] began building up logistical infrastructure while army support services (Engineer, Ordnance and Medical) began to build up capacity to sustain an 4 week long campaign.

Mukti Bahini plan: July 1971

General M.A.G. Osmani (Commander in Chief Bangladesh Forces) had differences of opinion with the Indian leadership regarding the role of the Mukti Bahini in the conflict. Indian leadership initially envisioned Bengali forces to be trained into a small elite guerrilla force of 8,000 members led by the surviving East Bengal Regiment soldiers operating in small cells around Bangladesh to facilitate the eventual Indian intervention,[25] but the Bangladesh Government in exile and General Osmani favored the following strategy:[26][27]

1.Bengali conventional force would occupy lodgment areas inside Bangladesh and then Bangladesh government would request international diplomatic recognition and intervention. Initially Mymensingh was picked for this operation, but Gen. Osmani later settled on Sylhet.

2.Sending the maximum number to guerrillas inside Bangladesh as soon as possible with the following objectives:[28][29]

Bangladesh was divided into Eleven sectors in July[30] while 3 brigades (8 infantry battalions and 3 artillery batteries) were put into action between July - September.[31] During June –July, Mukti Bahini had regrouped across the border with Indian aid through Operation Jackpot and began sending 2000 – 5000 guerrillas across the border,[32] the so-called Moonsoon Offensive, which for various reasons (lack of proper training, supply shortage, lack of a proper support network inside Bangladesh etc.) failed to achieve its objectives.[33][34][35] Bengali regular forces also attacked BOPs in Mymensingh, Comilla and Sylhet, but the results were mixed. Pakistani authorities concluded that they had successfully contained the Monsoon Offensive, and they were not far from the truth.[36][37]

Pakistani deployment in May 1971 after the reorganization of Eastern Command forces in the aftermath of Operation Searchlight. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Pakistani defense plan: June 1971

Pakistan Army Eastern Command, after being reinforced by the 9th and 16th divisions in April 1971, moved the 9th division HQ (CO Maj. Gen. Shawkat Riza) to Jessore, putting the 107th (CO Brig. Makhdum Hayat, HQ Jessore) and the 57th (CO Brig. Jahanzab Arbab, HQ Jhenida) under this division. The 16th Division (CO Maj. Gen. Nazar Hussain Shah) HQ moved to Bogra, the 23rd (CO Brig. Abdullah Malik, HQ Rangpur), the 205th (HQ Bogra) and the 34th (HQ Nator) brigades were attached to it. The 14th division (CO Maj. Gen. Rahim) HQ stayed at Dhaka, it’s brigades were at Mymensingh (27th), Sylhet (313th ) and Comilla (117th). The 97th independent brigade was formed in Chittagong while the 53rd brigade was moved to Dhaka as command reserve. By mid June Pakistan army had occupied all the towns and fortified 90[38] of the 370 BoPs (half of the BoPs were destroyed by Indian shellfire by July 1971 to facilitate Mukti Bahini infiltration)[39] and deployed in all the sensitive towns, while the other Para military units were deployed around the country to maintain internal security. From their bases the army conducted sweep and clearing operations in the neighboring areas to wipe out insurgents and their supporters. Pakistani forces relied on sudden barrages at selected areas to interdict Mukti Bahini infiltration. Pakistanis also build up an intelligence network to collect information on Mukti Bahini activity and sent informers across the border to give early warning of Mukti Bahini activity.[40][41]

Pakistani deployment and plan of defense in August 1971 after Eastern Command assessment in the aftermath of Operation Searchlight. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Review of June 1971

Pakistan Eastern Command had run Operation X-Sunderbans in 1967[42] and Operation Titumir[43] in 1970 to formulate the defense plan for East Pakistan, which basically was:

Brig. Gulam Jilani (later DG ISI), COS to Gen. Niazi, reviewed the existing East Pakistan defence plan in June 1971[47] in light of the prevailing circumstances and left the plan basically unchanged. The following assumptions were made while reevaluating the plan:[48]

Conceptually the new plan was the same as the old one, Pakistani units were to fight a series of defensive battles in their deployment areas before taking position to defend the Dhaka Bowl, every inch of the province would not be defended. Gen. Niazi added the following to plan:[49]

No wargames were conducted to factor in the new directives or specific plans were drawn up to attain these objectives. The revised plan was sent to Rawalpindi and approved in August 1971. Pakistan army probably enjoyed their most peaceful period during the occupation of Bangladesh in 1971 between Late May and mid July, when Mukti Bahini was reorganizing and the Indian army was implementing Operation Jackpot in their support.

Indian Army High Command plan of operations in Bangladesh in August 1971. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Indian Army HQ Plan: August 1971

The draft plan of Lt. Gen K.K Singh, DMO of Indian army was presented to Eastern Command in August 1971. The strategic assumptions and objectives of this plan were as follows:[50]

However, Gen. K.K. Singh did not think it was feasible to occupy Dhaka with the forces available or within 21 days, the time span envisioned to complete all operations in Bangladesh.[54] The gist of the DMO Plan, presented to Eastern Command in August 1971, was:

North – Western Sector:[55] The XXXIII corps (OC Lt. Gen. Thapan) would launch the 20th division attack along the Hili – Ghoraghat –Gaibandha axis to cut the area in two. The 71st brigade group would launch an attack along the Thakurgaon – Dinajpur axis along both banks of the Atrai River, while another brigade attacked along the Lalmunirhut – Rangpur axis. After reaching Gaibandha, a group from the 20th division would move south towards Bogra, while the 71st and 20th occupied Dinajpur, Saidpur and Rangpur.

Western Sector:[56] The newly created II corps (OC Lt. Gen. Tappy Raina) would launch the 4th Mountain and the 9th infantry divisions along the Darshana – Jibannagar – Jhenaidah and the Benapol – Jessore axis against Pakistani 9th division. A group from the 4th mountain would move along Meherpur –Kushtia axis to occupy Hardinge bridge, then move to Jhenaidah. From Jhenaidah the 4th Mountain would move east to Magura, while the 9th moved south to occupy Khulna.

North Eastern Sector: The 101st Communication zone would move a division along the Kamalpur – Jamalpur –Tangail – Dhaka axis and take control of the area north of the Brahmaputra river. No troops were allocated for operations against Dhaka.

South Eastern Sector:[57] The IV corps (OC Lt. Gen. Sagat Singh) would attack with 3 divisions. The 8th Mountain would move along the Shamshernagar – Maulavi Bazaar axis, and contain Sylhet. The 57th Mountain would capture Comilla and then occupy the area between Chandpur and Daudkandi. The 23rd would occupy the Feni –Laksham area then moves south to capture Chittagong.

Gen. Sam Manekshaw, Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora (OC eastern Command) and Lt. Gen. K.K. Singh all held the opinion that with the fall of Khulna and Chittagong, the primary seaports, Pakistani forces isolated inside the Dhaka bowl would capitulate. Lt. Gen. Jacob, COS Eastern Command disagreed and insisted that forces for the capture of Dhaka should be allocated while the Indian Eastern Fleet, vastly superior in numbers, could easily blockade the ports. Gen. Jacob was overruled.[58]

The DMO had assumed that India did not have adequate forces to liberate Dhaka within the allotted time span, so the objective was to liberate the maximum amount of territory.[59] Since this plan did not assumed India attacking with a 3:1 advantage in numbers against the assumed 4 Pakistani infantry divisions in Bangladesh, Gen. K.K Singh envisioned the Mukti Bahini helping to fill the gap in strength as follows:

Indian army had no authority over Mukti Bahini and could only make suggestions to General Osmani. However, Gen Osmani conducted a review of Mukti Bahini activity in September 1971 and put a new plan in place.

Mukti Bahini operational setup by November 1971. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Mukti Bahini Strategy: September reevaluation

The failure of the so-called Monsoon Offensive brought these facts to light:

General Osmani thought about dismantling the regular battalions operating under Z, K and S forces and sending platoons from these forces to aid the guerrillas in September, but ultimately did not.[61] Bangladesh government in exile decided to send 20,000 trained guerrillas into Bangladesh from September onwards,[62] on the assumption that even if 1/3 of the force succeeded in it’ objective, the effect on the Pakistani forces would be devastating.

Indian High Command also stepped up their efforts, beginning from increasing the volume of supplies (arms/ammunition/medicine) in September to having Gen. B.N. Sarkar, DMO Eastern Command and OC Operation Jackpot coordinating operations with Bangladesh Forces HQ.[63] Gen Sarkar would draw up monthly objectives for Mukti Bahini after consulting with Bangladesh H, then would send a copy of objectives to Mukti Bahini sector commanders and another to adjacent Indian units, thus eliminating the scope of misunderstanding and increasing the cooperation and coordination between the forces and ensuring common objectives were targeted.

Pakistani deployment and final plan of defense after 19 November 1971 after incorporating Pakistan Army GHQ suggestions. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Final Pakistani Plan: September – October 1971

General Niazi, along with General Jamshed (GOC EPCAF), General Rahim ( 2IC Eastern Command), Brig. Bakir (COS Eastern Command), Rear Admiral Sharif and Air Commodore Enam reviewed the existing plan and updated it to factor in the manpower shortage, logistical difficulties, and the directive of the GHQ to defend every inch of East Pakistan.[64][65] The initial assumptions were:[66]

Gen. Niazi chose the Fortresses concept of defence and the planners decided on a single defensive deployment of troops on the border, which went against the troop deployments advocated by the earlier plans. This was done to stick to the GHQ order of not surrendering any territory to the Mukti Bahini.

Defensive lines

Once the fortress defense was chosen, General Niazi and his staff designated the following cities as fortresses: Jessore, Jhenida, Bogra, Rangpur, Comilla and Bhairab Bazar (these were located on communication hubs), Jamalpur and Mymensingh (defending the northern perimeter of the Dhaka bowl), and Sylhet and Chittagong (independent defense areas). There were 4 lines of defense:

1.The troops deployed on the border was the forward line – this was way in front of the forward line envisioned in the X- Subnderban exercise of 1967 – which had deemed the whole border impossible to defend against a conventional attack.[69] The BoPs were all located on this line. 2.The Fortresses: All the fortresses were located on this line except Chittagong and Sylhet – which were to be independent defensive areas. This was the forward line of the 1967 X-Sunderbans plan and it was also deemed indefinsible in its entirety in that exercise. 3.Dhaka Outer Defense Line: Troops from the fortresses were to retreat to this line. The line ran from Pabna in the west to Bera then Sirajganj to the north, then to Mymensing. From Mymensingh the line weh south to Bhairab Bazar, from Bhairab it ran southwest along the Meghna to Daudkandi and Chandpur, then ran northwest along Padma then to the Madhumati, along the Madhumati back to Pabna. The fortresses of Bhairab and Mymensingh was part of this line. Pabna, Bera, Chandpur, Daudkandi and Faridpur was to be turned into fortresses, while Kamarkhali, Goalanda, Nagarbari and Narshindi was to be strong points. Faridpur and Narshindi was turned into strong points when was benag in December, the rest of the sites were not built up. 4.Dhaka Inner Defense Line: This ran from Manikganj in the west to Kaliakair, on to Tongi, then to Naryanganj and from Naryanganj back to Manikganj. This area was to have a fortress – Naryanganj and strong points at Kalaikair and Tongi. None were developed by December 1971.

Having chosen the defensive concept and defensive lines, Pakistan Eastern Command outlined the course of action as follows:

The divisional commanders were authorised to make plans for limited counterattacks in Indian territory to aid in their defensive objectives, which was to maintain control of the main pathways leading into the province.

Assumed enemy axis of attack and Pakistani deployments

Pakistani planners assumed, based on intelligence estimates, that an Indian force of 8 to 12 infantry divisions and an armored brigade, along with the Mukti Bahini would launch the invasion of East Pakistan in winter. Pakistan army had broadly divided the country into 4 sectors, and the Pakistani deployments were:[70][71][72]

Northern Sector (Indian designation: North Western Sector): This area is to the north of Padma and West of Jamuna rivers, encompassing the Rajhshahi, Pabna, Bogra, Rangpur and Dinajpur districts. Pakistani planners were undecide on whether the Indian attack would come from the Siliguri Corridor south towards Bogra or on the Hili – Chilimari axis from southwest to northeast to cut the area in two. The 16th Infantry division (CO Maj. Gen. Nazar Hussain Shah, HQ Bogra then Nator) was deployed to counter both possibilities.[73]

The 23rd Brigade (CO brig. S.A Ansari) was to defend the area north of Hili – Chilmari axis. The troops were to retreat to Dinajpur, Saidpur and Rangpur from the border areas, while Dinajpur, Saidpur, T-Junction and Thakurgaon were turned into strongpoints. The area north of the Tista River was a separate defense area, where the 25th Punjab, 86th Mujahid, 1 wing EPCAF and the independent heavy mortar battery was located.

The 205th Brigade (CO Brig. Tajammul Hossain Malik) would defend the area between Hili (a strongpoint) and Naogaon then fall back to Bogra (fortress) and hold out. Palashbari, Phulchari and Joyporhut were turned into strongpoints. The 34th Brigade (CO Brig. M.A. Nayeem) would look after the area between Rajshahi and Naogaon, and if need would fall back to the Outer Dhaka defense line and defend from Pabna and Bera, both proposed fortresses. In September, an ad hoc brigade was formed in Rajshahi to block the Padma from any enemy riverine operations.[74]

Western Sector (Indian designation: Western Sector): The area south of the Padma and east of the Meghna contained the Khulna, Jessore, Kushtia, Faridpur, Barisal and Patuakhali districts and was defended by the 9th Division (CO Maj. Gen. Ansari) made up of 2 infantry brigades: the 107th (CO Brig. Makhdum Hayat, HQ Jessore), covering the border from Jibannagar to the Sunderbans to the south, and the 57th (CO Brig. Manzoor Ahmed, HQ Jhenida), which covered the border from Jibannagar to the Padma in the north. Pakistani planners assumed three likely axis of advance from the Indian army:[75][76]

In September, an ad hoc brigade, the 314th,[77] (CO Col. Fazle Hamid, one Mujahib battalion, and 5 companies each from EPCAF and Razakars) was created to defend the city of Khulna.[78]

The 57th and 107th brigades were to defend the border then fall back to Jhenida and Jessore, and prevent the enemy from crossing the Jessore –Jhenida road, which runs almost parallel to the border. The brigades also had the option to fall back across the Madhumati river, which formed part of the Dhaka outer defrense line, and defend the area between Faridpur, Kamarkhali and Goalanda.

The 14th Division initially had 4 brigades: the 27th (CO Brig. Saadullah Khan, HQ Mymensingh), 313th (Brig Iftikar Rana, HQ Sylhet), the 117th (Brig. Mansoor H. Atif, HQ Comilla) and the 53rd (Brig. Aslam Niazi, HQ Dhaka) and looked after the rest of the province. It was decided in September to make the 14th responsible for the eastern sector encompassing Sylhet, Comilla and Noakhali districts only, while the 36th ad hoc division was remade responsible for the Dhaka Bowl.

Dhaka Bowl (Indian designation: North Eastern Sector): Pakistani planners anticipated a brigade size attack on the Kamalpur – Sherpur – Jamalpur axis and another along the Haluaghat – Mymensingh axis.[79] They deemed this area was impassable because of the hilly terrain on the Indian side and the Modhupur Jungle and the Brahmaputra river to the north of Dhaka. Pakistani deployment in this sector was:[80][81] 93rd brigade was responsible for the border area between the Jamuna river and Sunamganj. It developed strong points at Kamalpur, Haluaghat and Durgapur, while Jamalpur and Mymensingh were turned into fortresses. The course of the Brahmaputra rives was designated as the “line of no penetration”.

53rd brigade was posted in Dhaka as command reserve[82] and was responsible for the Dhaka inner defense line until it was moved to Feni.[83] Dhaka city also had Razakar, EPCAF and other units that could be deployed for defense of the city.

Eastern Sector (Indian designation: South Eastern Sector): This sector included the Chittagong, Noakhali, Comilla and Sylhet districts. The anticipated lines of advance were:[84][85]

The 14th Division (CO: Maj. Gen. Rahim Khan, then Maj. Gen Abdul Majid Kazi) was initially HQed at Dhaka until the creation of the 36th ad hoc division to cover the Dhaka Bowl, when its HQ moved to Brahmanbaria. Chittagong was designated as an independent defense zone under control of the 97th independent brigade. Also, two ad hoc brigades were created, the 202nd and the 93rd out of the units of the 14th division.[86] The division order of battle after September was:[87][88]

202nd ad hoc brigade (CO Brig. Salimullah, HQ Sylhet) was responsible for the border stretching from Sunamganj to the north west of Sylhet to Latu to the east of that city. Sylhet was designated as a fortress.[89] The 313rd Brigade (CO Brig. Iftekhar Rana), Hqed at Maulavi Bazar, which was developed as a strong point and the unit was responsible for the border between Latu and Kamalganj. After resisting the expected enemy thrust along the Maulavi Bazar – Shamshernagar front, the brigade was to move south and link up with the 27th Brigade near Brahmanbaria. Gen Niazi also envisioned this brigade launching an assault inside Tripura if possible.[90]

The 27th Brigade (CO Brig. M. Saadullah) was responsible for covering the border between Kamalganj and Kasba, just north of Comilla, and would block the expected main enemy axis of advance, with strong points at Akhaura and Brahmanbaria. Brig. Saadullah anticipated a 3 pronged assault on his area around Akhaura and planned to ultimately fall back to Bhairab, which was the nearest fortress and part of the Dhaka outer defernse line.

The 117th Brigade (CO Brig. S.M. Attif, Hqed at Mainamati) was responsible for the border between Kasba to the north of Comilla (a fortress) to Belonia in Noakhali. It was to concentrate near Comilla in the event of an Indian advance, then fall back to Daudkandi and Chhandpur, which were part of the Dhaka outer defense line and designated “Fortresses”.

The 97th independent Infantry Brigade (CO Brig. Ata Md. Khan Malik, HQ Chittagong) was to cover the Chittaging fortress and Chittagong hill tracks.

Last Minute Changes: November 1971

GHQ Rawalpinidi approved in October 1971 and also gave permission to conduct offensive operations against English Bazar or Balurghat in West Bengal and sending SSG commanddos to destroy the Farrakka barrage[91]

39th Ad hoc division

In November Gen. Niazi split the 14th division, keeping the 202nd, 27th and the 313rd brigades under it. The 117th, 53rd and the 91st brigades were placed under the newly created 39th ad hoc division (CO Maj. Gen. Rahim, Hq Chandpur with the following responsibilities:

117th Brigade was to cover the area from Kasba to the norh of Comilla to Chauddagram to the south. After fighting at the border the force was to redeploy around the Mainamati fortress and then fall back to defend Daudkandi, which was on the Dhaka Outer defense line.

The 53rd brigade was transferred from Dhaka to guard the border from Chaddagram to Belonia. This brigade was to fall back to Chandpur, a fortress located on the Dhaka outer defense line after its initial defense of Feni and Laksham.

91st ad hoc brigade (CO Mian Taskinuddin, HQ Chittagong) was to guard the Belonia – Ramgarh area. It was to fall back to Chittagong after defending the area.

Final Mitro Bahini operational plan in November 1971. A generic representation, some unit locations are not shown.

Final Mitro Bahini Plan: November 1971

The Indian Army HQ plan of August was modified by Eastern Command during October - November and operational instructions were given to various formations. The final plan did not target Dhaka as the main objective,[92] and a contingency scheme to quickly withdraw at least 2 divisions and redeploy against possible Chinese moves was also incorporated.[93] Mukti Bahini conventional forces were attached to various Indian formations while Mukti Bahini guerrillas not yet deployed inside Bangladesh were formed into infantry companies as auxiliary units.

North – Western Sector (Pakistani designation Northern Sector):[94] The XXXIII corps (OC Lt. general Thapan) was given the 20th Mountain division (initially deployed in near Tibet border),[95] the 71st and 471st Engineer brigade group, 340th (redeployed from Rajasthan)[96] and 9th Mountain brigades and the 3rd armored brigade. Pakistani 16th division defended this sector.

Lt. Gen. Aurora preferred a brigade size attack along the Hili – Gaibandha axis, while other brigades would fan out to the north and south to occupy major towns. Gen. Thapan preferred to bypass Hili and move to Gaibandha using an alternate route using two brigades.[97] The final draft plan was:

Lt. Gen. Aurora made two changes: He ordered Gen. Thapan to make the Hili –Gaibandha the main thrust line and the capture of Rangpur one of the objectives despite objections of Gen. Thapan and Jakob.[98]

Western Sector (Pakistani designation Western Sector):[99] This sector was defended by Pakistani 9th division. The newly created II Corps (4th Mountain and 9th Infantry divisions) along with Mukti Bahini was deployed against this sector. The plan was:

After isolating Jessore and Jhenaidah, the 9th division was to send a brigade to capture Khulna, while a brigade from the 4th Mountain would move north to take Kushtia and Hardinge bridge. The rest of the force was to head east to capture Magura and Faridpur, then cross the Padma and move on Dhaka.

North Eastern Sector (Pakistani designation Dhaka Bowl):[102] Eastern Command was not allocated the 6th Mountain division or the HQ of the 2nd Mountain division for this area, so the 101st Communication zone was picked to head operations in this sector.[103] Pakistani 36th ad hoc division defended this area. Indian plan of attack was:

After securing Tangail, Mitro Bahini would move towards Dhaka, reinforced by 2/3 brigades not designated in the plan. Mukti Bahini was expected to start an uprising in Dhaka to aid the advancing forces.[105]

South Eastern Sector (Pakistani designation Eastern Sector):[106] Pakistani 14th infantry and 39th ad hoc divisions defended this sector. Mukti Bahini sectors 1 – 5, K and S force brigades and Indian IV corps was selected to operate in this sector. The plan was:

The main responsibility of the IV core along with Mukti Bahini sector no 2 and 3 were to secure the area between Ashuganj and Chandpur, contain Comilla and then if possible approach Dhaka by crossing the Meghna using helicopters or river ferries – whichever was available.[107]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Lt. Gen. Sukhwant, The Liberation of Bangladesh, Vol-1, pp18
  2. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp60 –pp61
  3. ↑ Niazi, Lt. Gen. A.A.K, The Betrayal of East Pakistan, pp128
  4. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman, How Pakistan Got Divided, pp118 – pp119
  5. ↑ Singh, Maj. Gen. Sukhwant, The Liberation of Bangladesh, Vol-I, p18
  6. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp60
  7. ↑ Ali Khan, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman, How Pakistan Got Divided, p89
  8. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, “Surrender at Dacca’’, pp36 - pp37
  9. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp36- pp37
  10. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp56- pp57
  11. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp60
  12. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp60
  13. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp60
  14. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62, pp75
  15. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp67
  16. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62
  17. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62
  18. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp68
  19. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62
  20. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp57
  21. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp63
  22. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp57
  23. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62
  24. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp119
  25. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp90 - pp91
  26. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp42 – pp44, pp90 - pp91
  27. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp45 – pp46
  28. ↑ Islam, Major Rafiqul, A Tale of Millions, pp227, pp235
  29. ↑ Shafiullah, Maj. Gen. K.M., Bangladesh at War, pp161 – pp163
  30. ↑ Islam, Major Rafiqul, A Tale of Millions,pp226 - pp231
  31. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp44
  32. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp44
  33. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman, How Pakistan Got Divided, pp100
  34. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp64 – pp65
  35. ↑ Khan, Maj. Gen. Fazal Mukeem, Pakistan's Crisis in Leadership, pp125
  36. ↑ Ali, Rao Farman, ‘’When Pakistan Got Divided’’, p100
  37. ↑ Niazi, Lt. Gen. A.A.K, ‘The Betrayal of East Pakistan’ p96
  38. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp101
  39. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp45
  40. ↑ Quereshi, Maj. Gen. Hakeem A, ‘Indo Pak War of 1971, p108 – p110
  41. ↑ Islam, Maj. Rafikul, ‘A Tale of Millions’ p284
  42. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman, How Pakistan Got Divided, pp114 - pp119
  43. ↑ Qureshi, Maj. Gen. Hakeem A., The 1971 Indo –Pak War A Soldier’s Narrative, pp119- pp120
  44. ↑ Major Nasir Uddin, Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp73
  45. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman., How Bangladesh Got Divided, pp114 – pp118
  46. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman., How Bangladesh Got Divided, pp117 – pp114
  47. ↑ Niazi, Lt. Gen. AAK, The Betrayal of East Pakistan , pp85
  48. ↑ Qureshi, Maj. Gen. Hakeem A., The 1971 Indo –Pak War A Soldier’s Narrative, pp121
  49. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman., How Bangladesh Got Divided, pp89
  50. ↑ Singh, Maj. Gen. Sukhwant, The Liberation War of Bangladesh, Vol 1, pp68 –pp69
  51. ↑ Singh, Maj. Gen. Sukhwant, The Liberation War of Bangladesh, Vol 1, pp26
  52. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp145 quoting Lt. Gen. B.N Kaul, The Times, Nov 9, 1971
  53. ↑ Lehl, Maj. Gen. Lachhman Singh, Victory in Bangladesh, pp61
  54. ↑ Singh, Maj. Gen. Sukhwant, The Liberation War of Bangladesh, Vol 1, pp26
  55. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp67 – pp68
  56. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp68
  57. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp66, pp68
  58. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp66 – pp67
  59. ↑ Singh, Maj. Gen. Sukhwant, The Liberation War of Bangladesh, Vol 1, pp72
  60. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp45
  61. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp114
  62. ↑ Islam, Major Rafiqul, A Tale of Millions, pp282
  63. ↑ Hassan, Moyeedul, Muldhara’ 71, pp111 – pp112
  64. ↑ Niazi, Lt. Gen. A.A.K, The Betrayal of East Pakistan, pp110
  65. ↑ Khan, Maj. Gen. Fazal Muqeem, Pakistan’s crisis in Leadership, pp120
  66. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp123- pp126
  67. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp132
  68. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp134
  69. ↑ Ali, Maj. Gen. Rao Farman., How Bangladesh Got Divided, pp117 – pp121
  70. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp184 –pp190
  71. ↑ Matinuddin, Lt. Gen. Kamal, Tragedy of Errors: East Pakistan Crisis 1968 -1971, pp348 – pp350
  72. ↑ Riza, Maj. Gen Shaukat, Pakistan army 1966 - 1971, pp134- pp159
  73. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp149
  74. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp149
  75. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp140
  76. ↑ Major Nasir Uddin, , Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp243 - pp244
  77. ↑ Niazi, Lt. Gen. A.A.K, The Betrayal of East Pakistan, pp113
  78. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp139
  79. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp181
  80. ↑ Islam, Major Rafiqul, A Tale of Millions, pp314
  81. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender At Dacca, pp85
  82. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp127
  83. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender At Dacca, pp85
  84. ↑ Major Nasir Uddin, , Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp245
  85. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp159
  86. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp126, pp159, pp181
  87. ↑ Islam, Major Rafiqul, A Tale of Millions, pp315
  88. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp159, pp163, pp167
  89. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp167
  90. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp163, pp167
  91. ↑ Salik, Siddiq, Witness to Surrender, pp125
  92. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp76
  93. ↑ Nasir Uddin, Maj (ret.), Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp226
  94. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62, pp75
  95. ↑ Nasir Uddin, Maj (ret.), Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp226
  96. ↑ Nasir Uddin, Maj (ret.), Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp226
  97. ↑ Nasir Uddin, Maj (ret.), Juddhey Juddhey Swadhinata, pp259
  98. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62, pp75
  99. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62
  100. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp68
  101. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp68
  102. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp76 – pp77
  103. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp76 - pp77
  104. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp77
  105. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp94
  106. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp57
  107. ↑ Jacob, Lt. Gen. JFR, Surrender at Dacca, pp62

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