Bangladesh: Pakistani forces clashed with Indian forces in the Battle of Garibpur on November 20–21, 1971. The battle was fought 12 days before India's formal entry into the war with Pakistan.
The conflict began when a Pakistani counterattack was launched after the Indian Army 14 Punjab Battalion entered Pakistani territory to seize the areas around Garibpur, supported by 45 Cavalry and PT-76 tanks from Mukti Bahini.
The Joint Mukti Bahini was formed by the Independence Army in East Pakistan (modern Bangladesh) after months of internal conflict and a crackdown on Bengali nationalists.
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Further Indian assistance was sought to turn the tide after some relative calm in the area following the initial success of Pakistani troops against the Mukti Bahini. As a result, India became more deeply involved in the developing conflict in the east and deployed its troops closer to the border.
The Boyra chief, which included the village of Garibpur and was located inside the North-West region of East Pakistan, served as an important junction for the two countries. Control over it was necessary as it included the road leading from India to Jessore.
On 21 November, the 14th Punjab Regiment advanced to seize the areas around Garibpur inside Pakistani territory with the assistance of 45 Cavalry and PT-76 tanks from Mukti Bahini.
The attack was carried out as a surprise, but Pakistan came to know about it after a skirmish with patrols of the two armies the day before.
A light tank unit composed of M24 Chaffees from Pakistan's 3rd Independent Armored Squadron immediately responded with an infantry battalion. Indian tanks were sent forward to ambush the Pakistani charge, keeping the infantry and recoilless rifles in defensive positions.
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The Pakistani attackers were unable to identify the point of attack due to poor visibility due to fog, so the Indian troops resisted them for a few hours.
Undeterred, the Pakistani infantry and tanks launched an offensive against the Indian defences. The attack was thwarted by the Indians, but it cost lives to both India and Pakistan.
The Indian PT-76s outflanked the Pakistani Chaffees, destroying 8 and capturing 3. During the fighting, both the Mukti Bahini and the Indian troops suffered significant losses. Major Daljit Singh Narang was killed and Colonel TS Sidhu was injured when a tank operated by the Indian Army was destroyed by Pakistani fire. The Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest military honor in India, was awarded to him posthumously.
Battle of Boyara
The Pakistan Air Force was requested by the Pakistani Army, and it quickly responded by attacking Indian positions. Three Saber aircraft from the PAF's No. 14 Squadron arrived at around 3:00 p.m. To provide close air support and launch rocket and machine gun fire on Indian positions. However, the Indian Air Force was prepared for such an attack and sent four Folland Gauntets to intercept.
After a brief dogfight, two Sabers were shot down, and one of them was damaged. The damaged F-86 Saber was able to return home without incident. The two pilots successfully made an emergency evacuation, but were captured by Mukti Bahini and Indian soldiers and sent to India as prisoners of war.
