12th June,2020
The History: A quick overview
The year was 1971 when a struggle was going on between the East Pakistani populace and the Pakistani Army. India was also involved in the war and Indian Army was training Bangladeshi freedom fighter to save themselves from mass genocide by the Pakistani forces.
Illustrative map of South Asia during 1971 War. Source:Google
On 3rd December,1971 Pakistani forces launched an all out offensive to diverge Indian resources from the eastern frontier under General Niazi of Pakistani Army. Pakistan sent one of its most decorative officers Major Shabbir Sharif to command the 6th frontier force, who also fought in war of 1965.
Major Shabbir Sharif
The enemy disguised as civilians entered the Indian territory under the cover of heavy artillery fire and soon were able to overrun BSF posts of Sabudana DCB and made their stronghold on the Beriwala bridge. Indian forces were took by surprise and taking its advantage, Pakistani infantry battalion of 2500 men and 30 tanks took over the Pakka village by the next day.
The next day, Pakistan started its march towards Fazilka where 4 Jat under Major Narain Singh was deployed, one of the most decorated units of Indian Army. Fierce battles were fought for days in and days out, 4 Jat with their valor thwarted the Pakistani forces with heavy causalities.
Town of Fazilka near Indo-Pak border
The local folklore: Battle of two majors
In the local folklore and Jat regiment, it is the most talked about battle of 1971. It was the battle of two majors, from each side, both fierce and hot blooded. While Pakistani army under Major Shabbir Sharif was planning to invade Fazilka, 4 Jat launched a counter attack under the command of Major Singh. Indian side faced lot of casualties and they were ordered to retreat but the jats ignored and continued the charge making their way to heart of enemy formation. There Major Singh challenged his Pakistani counterpart of 6 frontier force for a hand to hand combat, which he accepted.
The next second both were rolling in the ground in front of their troops who were instructed not to interfere. The match was equal as both were equally capable.After hours of Guttham Guttha (Jat way of saying wrestling), Major Shabbir was lying on the ground succumbed to his injuries and Major Singh in a near unconscious state. However, Major Singh shortly joined his counterpart and breathe his last breath. This was enough to weaken Pakistani formation and soon the village fell in Indian hands.
Respect by the enemy: When humanity won
The participating troops of both sides admit that Pakistani soldiers were so touched by the valor of Major Narain Singh that they requested to treat him at their base, which was however denied by Major Singh himself.
Even Pakistani Officers were so impressed by his valor that they have mentioned him in their books on 1971 war for his valor.
Major General Mukheen Faizal writes in his book Pakistan's crisis in leadership
"had soldier like Maj Narain Singh been with Pakistan army, the story would have been different.”(referring to result of the 1971 war)
Aftermath of war: Immortalisation of Major Singh
After the end of war, He was posthumously awarded Vir Chakra.
Major Narain Singh VC, 4 Jat
Local populace of Fazilka constructed a temple in his memory, where he is worshipped. Baisakhi and Vijay divas are celebrated in this temple.
Every new officer or recruit who joins the regiment is told his story which inspires next generation of Jat Regiment.
India won the war and changed the history, creating Bangladesh.
General Niazi about to surrender after fall of Dhaka.
I am sure that this thrilling legacy of Major Narain Singh will motivate you! Stay tuned with my blog to enjoy countless such stories and legacies. You are most welcome to give feedback in the comments below. To suggest a story, use #suggestion:__.
signing off!!
~Apoorv Saxena
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