The battle of Basantar, 1971 is the golden chapter of Indian history. It was fought in the western sector of India. The Indian troops won a hard fought battle that secured this area in the Punjab Jammu sector. This battle took place in the Shakargarh Bulge that includes Jarpal and surrounding areas. This area was very important for both the sides since it has road links to Jammu from Punjab.
Where it took place?
“Basantar River” is a tributary of the Ravi River that flows in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. This battle took place in the Shakargarh Sector or the Shakargarh Bulge that includes Jarpal and surrounding areas. The bulge is a protrusion of Pakistan boundary into Indian territory. It was a strategic area for both sides as it comprised road links to Jammu from Punjab, which could be cut off by Pakistan if it wished to launch an offensive. It was also economically vital for both sides as it straddled the fertile area of the Indus river belt.
The day of Battle!
On 16th Dec 1971, Pakistani troops launched attack on Indian troops near Basantar. Pakistani troops were equipped with US made Paton tanks. On the other hand, Indian tanks were less in number.
3 Indian tanks stood face to face with 14 Pakistani tanks. These 3 Indian tanks were handled by Captain V Malhotra, Lieutenant Autar Singh Ahalawat and 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. After immense struggle 3 Pakistani tanks were destroyed.
Now, it was 3 Indian tanks against 11 Pakistan tanks. Out of which 4 more Pakistani tanks were destroyed. But captain Malhotra’s tank was also damaged. He abandoned the battle.
After this, 7 Pakistani tanks were battling with 2 Indian tanks, 3 more Pakistani tanks were destroyed. In which captain Autar Singh got injured. He withdrew from the battle.
At the end, 4 Pakistani tanks were left on the battle field fighting 1 Indian tank, and this was managed by “Arun Khetarpal”. Arun’s tank was severely damaged. At this situation, Arun’s Commander ordered him to abandon his tank. But, Arun replied “no sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards”.
Arun kept fighting, 3 more Pakistani tanks were destroyed. Now there were only 2 tanks in the battle field. Both of these tanks were just 100 metres apart and were firing towards each other. It was at this point; Arun got a direct hit and was burning in the flames. Arun was severely injured. He asked for some water, by the time help came, Arun was no more.
Reason led to the battle!
As the war began on the eastern front, Pakistan decided to open up the western sector to divert Indian troops from the Eastern front in Bangladesh and prolong the war. Shakargarh bulge was a key strategic area for India as it comprised road links between Jammu and Indian Punjab. Therefore, securing the region was crucial for India as Pakistan had a military base nearby in Sialkot and therefore could have easily launched a massive invasion of the Shakargarh region, cutting Jammu and Kashmir from the rest of India.
The Indian Army maintained a base at Pathankot, twenty-three miles away from Shakargarh and quickly mobilized forces to defend the region. In an attempt to gain advantage through the element of surprise, the Indian Army, though outnumbered, attacked Pakistani positions in Jarpal area, triggering the “Battle of Basantar”.
Arun’s heroic act inspired the Indian Army. Indian army retaliated with fresh reinforcement. Army captured 1000 square kilometre enemy territory. It was a turning point of 1971 war in western zone.
Honored with “Param Veer Chakra”!
Arun Khetarpal was born in Pune, Maharashtra on 14 October 1950. His father Lt Col (later Brigadier) M. L. Khetarpal was a Corps of Engineers officer serving in the Indian Army and his family traced a long history of military service. Attending Lawrence School, Sanawar, he distinguished himself both as an able student and sportsman and was the school prefect.
Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy in June 1967. He belonged to Foxtrot Squadron where he was the Squadron Cadet Captain of the 38th Course. His NDA No was 7498/F/38. He subsequently went on to join the Indian Military Academy. In June 1971, Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse.
Arun was just 21 years old. At this tender age, Arun left back a heroic tale for the future generations to hear. He was honored with the highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Veer Chakra. He became the young recipient of this felicitation.
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