Published:
December 18, 2024
The Battle of Longewala is one of the most iconic and celebrated battles in Indian military history. It took place during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, from December 4 to December 7, 1971, in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. The battle is renowned for the extraordinary bravery and resilience displayed by a small contingent of Indian soldiers who successfully repelled a much larger Pakistani force.
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was primarily fought over the liberation of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). While the major focus of the Indian military was on the Eastern Theatre to support the liberation movement, several notable battles were fought in the Western Theatre to contain and destroy Pakistani forces. One such battle was the Battle of Longewala.
The Battle of Longewala was fought by a company of the Indian Army's 23rd Battalion, Punjab Regiment, commanded by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri. The Pakistani forces, comprising two infantry brigades and two tank regiments, launched an ambitious offensive towards the Indian border post at Longewala.
• Initial Assault: The Pakistani forces launched a well-coordinated night attack on the Indian positions at Longewala. The Indian soldiers, although heavily outnumbered, quickly regrouped and mounted a strong defense.
• Air Support: The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in the battle. Four Hawker Hunter and three HAL Marut fighter-bombers provided close air support, targeting the advancing Pakistani tanks and infantry.
• Fierce Fighting: The battle saw intense combat, with the Indian soldiers using their limited resources to inflict significant casualties on the Pakistani forces. The rugged terrain and the Indian soldiers' strategic positioning further hindered the Pakistani advance.
• Final Stand: Despite their valiant efforts, the Pakistani forces were eventually overwhelmed by the superior numbers and firepower of the Pakistani troops. However, their resistance delayed the Pakistani advance and provided valuable time for the Indian Air Force to launch counter-attacks.
The Battle of Longewala ended with a decisive Indian victory. The Pakistani forces suffered significant casualties, with over 200 personnel killed and 36 tanks destroyed. The Indian soldiers' bravery and resilience during the battle became a source of inspiration for the entire nation. The Battle of Longewala is remembered as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers. It highlighted the strategic importance of the region and underscored the need for better preparedness and infrastructure along the border areas. The battle also served as a reminder of the need for continuous modernization and strengthening of the armed forces.
The Longewala War Memorial, located near the battlefield, stands as a tribute to the courageous soldiers who fought in the battle. The memorial complex includes a museum, a gallery, and military equipment used during the battle. The story of the Battle of Longewala continues to inspire and instill a sense of pride and patriotism among the people of India.
Jaisalmer → Ramgarh(70Km) → Longewala (111 Km)
