OPERATION EAGLE – BANGLADESH LIBERATION WAR OF 1971


English: The Sketch is of the former and first...

English: The Sketch is of the former and first woman prime minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE - OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS - BANGLADESH LIBERATION WAR  :

The late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi had initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 by planning and executing the battle plan of ‘Operation Eagle’, the military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In recognition of outstanding contribution to the country’s War of Liberation, Bangladesh conferred posthumously on Indira Gandhi the ‘Swadhinata Sammanona’(Freedom Honor Award), the highest State Honor.

President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman gave the ‘Swadhinata Sammanona’, the Freedom Honour Award to Sonia Gandhi, the daughter-in-law of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

At a function held at Bangabhaban(President’s House), Dhaka on Monday, August 01, 2011, President Zillur Rahman gave the ‘Freedom Honour Award’, the highest State Honor to Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of United Progressive Alliance( UPA ), the leader of India’s Congress Party. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikha Hasina, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Captain(Retired) A B Tajul Islam, other cabinet ministers, and dignitaries were present at this function.

I had asked Government of India to give its permission to disclose the battle plan of Operation Eagle, the military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts during 1971 which had initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh.

Dr. R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ex Number MS-8466 CAPTAIN AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment Number. 22  C/O  56  APO.

OPERATION EAGLE – REGISTRATION OF PUBLIC GRIEVANCE


The South Block, which houses the Prime Minist...

The South Block, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office, also showing the “Dominion Column”. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Operation Eagle(1971)- Public Grievance Registration Number: MODEF/E/2011/00761 dated 24 September, 2011 is asking Government of India to give due recognition to a participant of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts that initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971.

Operation Eagle(1971)- Public Grievance: Dr. Manmohan Singh, the current Prime Minister of India is being asked to uphold the dignity of the Office of The Prime Minister of India. He has to make a decision to show respect and honor the decisions made by the former Prime Minister of India who initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during 1971.

Operation Eagle-Gallantry Award-Public Grievance: Mr. Upamanyu Chatterjee, IAS, Joint Secretary, Chief Administrative Officer, Defence Headquarters Training Institute, Ministry of Defence, E Block, DHQ Zone, Dalhousie Road, New Delhi – 110 011 had received on 17 July, 2012 the Public Grievance bearing Registration Number: MODEF/E/2011/00761 dated 24 September , 2011. He is a reputed novelist. He must permit me to tell my Story.

 

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – GALLANTRY AWARD:

From: rebbapragada@live.com

To: cvo@nic.in

Subject: Registration of Public Grievance – OPERATION EAGLE – MILITARY OPERATION OF PRIME MINISTER IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS 1971 .
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2011 13:38:33 -0400

OPERATION EAGLE 1971-LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH

 

Reference:- Government of India Ministry of Defence Letter No. 3533/2009/D( Cer ) dated 2nd/3rd December, 2009.

Operation Eagle was planned and executed by India’s Prime Minister and the military operation was commanded by Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force. This is an establishment under the Directorate General of Security, Cabinet Secretariat and is not governed by the rules and procedures of Indian Army. The Special Frontier Force does not take its orders from Indian Army. Under the Battle Plan and the Rules of Engagement, the Prime Minster of India made a specific provision to give the benefit of receiving Awards, Honours, and Decorations from Indian Army to a selected few participants and several other personnel who took part in Operation Eagle and got killed or injured were specifically excluded from getting a similar benefit. Indian Army has no jurisdictional power to stop the implementation of a benefit included in the Prime Minister’s Battle Plan. The Prime Minister did not impose such restrictions and time limits for receiving the benefit of Military Awards and Decorations.

Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, Ministry of Defence has issued this response. The letter claims that a citation was not received through Staff Channels. The Military Secretary”s Branch must not expose its ignorance in a written communication that would be viewed by people of India. Special Frontier Force had executed the military operation of Operation Eagle and the Battle Plan and the Rules of Engagement, and the Marching Orders were directly issued by the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet Secretariat. No Indian Army Staff Channels were involved in the conduct of Operation Eagle. The citations to confer Awards, Honours, and Decorations in respect of specific members who had participated in Operation Eagle were sent direct to the Branch of Indian Army Service to which the individual was affiliated. There was no need to use Staff Channels as this Operation was not a military operation planned or executed by Units or Formations of Indian Armed Forces.

Shri. S. Kumar, Deputy Director, Military Secretary’s Branch, MS(X), Ministry of Defence(Army) in his two-page letter does not mention the word Operation Eagle. He has deliberately refused to speak about Operation Eagle. The Military Secretary’s Branch is intentionally concealing information and is beating around the bush. What are Staff Channels? What are those Staff Channels between Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat and the Military Secretary?

Sir,

1. I am writing this letter to register Public Grievance in the matter of my military service on deputation at Headquarters Establishment No. 22, C/O 56 APO , Special Frontier Force, Office of the Directorate General of Security, the Cabinet Secretariat, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi from 22-9-1971 to 18-12-1974.

2. Kindly register this public grievance about service related matter that pertains to my participation in Operation Eagle in Chittagong Hill Tracts in 1971. The details of my grievance are stated in my letter sent to Shri. Mallapudi Mangapathi Pallam Raju, Honorable Minister of State for Defence. Kindly ask me if you need any further information in this matter.

3. Please acknowledge and send me your grievance registration number and date for my records.

4.Thanking You,

Yours Faithfully,

Rebbapragada. Rudra Narasimham/R. R. Narasimham,

Son of Rebbapragada. Suryanarayana Murthy,

13-92, First Cross Road, Prakasam Nagar,

Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

R. Rudra Narasimham/ R.R. Narasimham,
Ex Personal Number – MR- 03277K, Rank – Major AMC/DPC
Ex Personal Number – MS- 8466, Rank – Captain/Lieutenant/Second Lieutenant AMC/SSRC

From: rebbapragada@live.com

To: rrm@nic.in

Operation Eagle-Public Grievance: Dr. Mallipudi Mangapathi Pallam Raju, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Union Minister of State for Defence, Ministry of Defence, Government of India may have received this Public Grievance. He has not yet responded to the Grievance. I would expect him to show due respect and honor the decisions made by the former Prime Minister of India.

Subject: OPERATION EAGLE – MILITARY OPERATION OF PRIME MINISTER IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS 1971 .
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2011 12:53:24 -0400

Reference:- Government of India Ministry of Defence Letter No. 3533/2009/D( Cer ) dated 2nd/3rd December, 2009.

Sir,

1. I would like to introduce myself as son of Shri. Rebbapragada. Suryanarayana Murthy, and a native of Rajahmundry, East Godavari District. I obtained my S.S.L.C. diploma in 1961 from Danavaipeta Municipal High School, Rajahmundry. I was granted Short Service Regular Commission in Army Medical Corps during 1969.  The Service Records held by Medical Personnel Records Section-Officers,  MPRS(O), Office of the Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services, The DGAFMS, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi show that I am a permanent resident of Rajahmundry.

2. I would like to submit to you that the Ministry of Defence, Army Headquarters have no institutional capacity or jurisdiction over actions sanctioned and authorized by the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Cabinet Secretariat.

3. Army Medical Directorate, Army Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi had issued posting orders that directed me to serve on deputation at Headquarters Establishment No.22, C/O 56 APO, Special Frontier Force, Office of the Directorate General of Security, The Cabinet Secretariat, R K Puram, New Delhi with effect from 22-9-1971 to 18-12-1974. I had participated in Operation Eagle under orders that I had received from my superior Officers under the authority sanctioned by the Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, and the Cabinet Secretariat. The service that I had rendered was recognized by my Unit, and the Operational Command of Operation Eagle and I was duly recommended the award of Vir Chakra. Such recommendations given in recognition of my Service on deputation could not be rejected by Ministry of Defence/Army Headquarters who have no jurisdictional control over the military operation sanctioned by the Prime Minister, the Chief Executive Officer of Government of India.

4. Kindly review my letters sent to Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Government of India, and take the necessary action as requested by me.

5. Thanking You,

Yours Faithfully,

Rudra Narasimham, Rebbapragada

Son of Rebbapragada. Suryanarayana Murthy,

13-92 Prakasam Nagar, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.

Ex Personal Number. MR – 03277K, Rank. MAJOR, AMC/DPC

Ex Personal Number. MS -8466, Rank. Captain/Lieutenant/Second Lieutenant, AMC/SSRC

Medical Officer, South Column Unit, Operation Eagle(1971)

Headquarters Establishment Number 22  C/O  56  APO


http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/operation-eagle-an-open-letter-to-government-of-india/

From: rebbapragada@live.com

To: manmohan@sansad.nic.in

Subject: OPERATION EAGLE – A LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER DR. MANMOHAN SINGH
Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 23:52:26 -0400

Reference: Government of India Ministry of Defence Letter No. 3533/2009/D ( Cer ) dated 2nd/3rd December, 2009.

Sir,

1. Kindly view my open letter dated May 16, 2011 at my Homepage of BhavanaJagat( the web hyperlink is posted under my signature ).

2. Kindly direct the Under Secretary ( Cer ), Ministry of Defence, Government of India to take action as per the citation initiated by my Unit while I had participated in Operation Eagle under the authority sanctioned by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India during 1971.

3.This military Operation was not ordered by the Defence Minister, and was not planned or executed by the orders that were issued by the Army Headquarters. Ministry of Defence, Army Headquarters. The Medical Directorate( DMS-Army ) had taken action during 1971 to send me on deputation to Special Frontier Force. The DMS(Army) and the Army Headquarters have no jurisdiction to invalidate the action taken by my Unit during its participation in Operation Eagle. Kindly ask me for any further clarification or information about the nature of military act for which my Unit recommended my name for the grant of Gallantry Award – Vir Chakra.

4. Ministry of Defence has no legal authority to refuse the sanction of this Gallantry Award. Army Headquarters may be informed of the fact and the nature of military service rendered by me while I was on deputation at Headquarters Establishment No. 22 of Special Frontier Force. To conduct the Military Operation of 1971 in Chittagong Hill Tracts, we have taken orders direct from the Prime Minister, The Prime Minister’s Office and the Cabinet Secretariat.

5. I would ask you to uphold the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Office. The actions taken by the Cabinet Secretariat should be treated with respect by the Ministry of Defence and Army Headquarters.

6. Thanking You,

Yours Faithfully,

R. Rudra Narasimham/R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Ex Personal Number. MR-03277K, Rank. MAJOR, AMC/DPC
Ex Personal Number. MS-8466, Rank. Lieutenant/Captain, AMC/SSC
Medical Officer, South Column Unit, Operation Eagle (1971),
Headquarters Establishment Number 22  C/O 56  APO


http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/operation-eagle-an-open-letter-to-government-of-india/

 

OPERATION EAGLE – A LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER DR. MANMOHAN SINGH


A representation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka...

Image via Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – GALLANTRY AWARD:

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – A LETTER TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Subject:- Operation Eagle – Military Operation of 1971 in Chittagong Hill Tracts – Prime Minister Indira Gandhi – The Cabinet Secretariat – “The Past is Never Dead.” – Regarding.

Reference:- Government of India Ministry of Defence Letter No. 3533/2009/D ( Cer ) dated 2nd/3rd December, 2009.

Sir,

1. Kindly view my open letter dated May 16, 2011 at my Homepage of BhavanaJagat( the web hyperlink is posted under my signature ).

2. Kindly direct the Under Secretary ( Cer ), Ministry of Defence, Government of India to take action as per the citation initiated by my South Column Unit while I had participated in Operation Eagle under the authority sanctioned by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India during 1971.

3.This military Operation was not ordered by the Defence Minister, and was not planned or executed by the orders that were issued by the Army Headquarters.

 4.Ministry of Defence, Army Headquarters, and the Medical Directorate( DMS-Army ) had taken action during 1971 to send me on deputation to Special Frontier Force. They have no jurisdiction to invalidate the action taken by my South Column Unit during its participation in Operation Eagle. Kindly ask me for any further clarification or information about the nature of military act for which my South Column Unit recommended my name for the Award of Gallantry Award-Vir Chakra.

5. Ministry of Defence Army Headquarters has no legal authority to refuse the sanction of this gallantry award. Army Hqrs may be informed of the fact and the nature of military service rendered by me while I was on deputation at Hq Establishment No. 22 of Special Frontier Force. To conduct the Military Operation of 1971 in Chittagong Hill Tracts, we have taken orders direct from the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Secretariat.

6. I would ask you to uphold the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Office. The actions taken by the Cabinet Secretariat should be treated with respect by the Ministry of Defence and Army Hqrs.

7. Thanking You,

Yours Faithfully,

R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Ex- MR-03277K MAJOR AMC/PC
Ex- MS-8466 Lieutenant/Captain AMC/SSC
Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971
Headquarters Establishment Number 22  C/O  56 A P O


http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/operation-eagle-an-open-letter-to-government-of-india/

 

AWARD OF GALLANTRY AWARDS – INDO-PAK WAR OF 1971


This map contains my estimates of the units in...

This map contains estimates of the units involved in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MS-8466 CAPTAIN. R. Rudra Narasimham, AMC/SSC

MS-8466 CAPTAIN. R. Rudra Narasimham, Army Medical Corps/Short Service Regular Commission. During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the Special Frontier Force under the Command of Major General Sujan Singh Uban conducted an independent military operation called Operation Eagle in The Chittagong Hill Tracts. This Op Eagle was planned and executed by Indian Prime Minister Srimati Indira Gandhi. Brigadier T S Oberoi was the Commander at the Force Headquarters in the operational area. Including myself, a total of six Medical Officers took part in this military operation. Four of us were recommended to recieve Service Awards. Major PCM Mehta, Surgical Specialist, Dr. Major(Honorary) Ramesh Chandra, the Senior Medical Officer, Captain Ashok Kumar Jaiswal, Unit Medical Officer of the Unit commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Prasanta Coomar Purkayastha of Garhwal Rifles had received Vishisht Seva Medals as recommended. I was the only Medical Officer who was recommended the award of Vir Chakra. Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Brigadier TS Oberoi, Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, the Regiment of Artillery Officer who was my Unit Commander, and all others know the reasons as to why I was recommended to receive the gallantry award of Vir Chakra and not some other award like Vishisht Seva Medal which the other three Medical Officers had received.Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s military operation known as Operation Eagle 1971 delivered the first blow in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh.

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE-OPERATION EAGLE 1971-LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH-GALLANTRY AWARD:

AWARD OF GALLANTRY AWARDS – OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH

November o4, 1971. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent us to Mizo Hills-Chittagong Hill Tracts Border between India and East Pakistan and met the U.S. President Richard Nixon at the White House. She made an earnest effort to get American support for our military mission. She didn't know that Dr. Henry Kissinger, the Secretary of State had secretly contacted China's Prime Minister and had directly encouraged Communist China to attack India across the Himalayan frontier and thwart our attempt to Liberate Bangladesh. China was too busy plotting the major "Tet" offensive in Vietnam to deliver a defeat to the U.S. Army. Our military operation proceeded as China had refused to frustrate our efforts.

November o4, 1971. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent us to Mizo Hills-Chittagong Hill Tracts Border between India and East Pakistan and met the U.S. President Richard Nixon at the White House. She made an earnest effort to get American support for our military mission. She didn’t know that Dr. Henry Kissinger, the Secretary of State had secretly contacted China’s Prime Minister and had directly encouraged Communist China to attack India across the Himalayan frontier and thwart our attempt to Liberate Bangladesh. China was too busy plotting the major “Tet” offensive in Vietnam to deliver a defeat to the U.S. Army. Our military operation proceeded as China had refused to frustrate our efforts.

November 04. 1971. The United States, Tibet, and India are military partners of an alliance/pact that created Establishment No. 22/Special Frontier Force during November 1962. The United States was only opposed to the creation of Bangladesh because of its friendly relations with Pakistan. President Nixon continued to support Special Frontier Force and its mission to oppose the military threat posed by Communist China's occupation of Tibet. President Nixon as a gracious host entertained Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the White House by hosting a performance by these New York City Ballet performers.

November 04. 1971. The United States, Tibet, and India are military partners of an alliance/pact that created Establishment No. 22/Special Frontier Force during November 1962. The United States was only opposed to the creation of Bangladesh because of its friendly relations with Pakistan. President Nixon continued to support Special Frontier Force and its mission to oppose the military threat posed by Communist China’s occupation of Tibet. President Nixon as a gracious host entertained Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the White House by hosting a performance by these New York City Ballet performers.

LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH – AWARD CEREMONY AFTER 40 YEARS.

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, was given the task of conducting a military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts and it was named Operation Eagle.His military mission was directly supervised by Srimati Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 involved a War between India and Pakistan and the War was fought by the members of the armed forces on either side. In the Eastern Sector, the Indian Army military operation was planned and executed by Headquarters Eastern Command. I had participated in Operation Eagle, a military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. This military operation was planned personally by India’s Prime Minister, Srimati. Indira Gandhi. She had personally approved the battle plan, the rules of engagement, and the issue of Marching Orders. She made all the critical decisions. The Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretariat had passed the executive orders and instructions for the conduct of this military operation. She had never delegated her powers to other Staff members or assistants and had exercised a tight control in the execution of all military acts as per the battle plan that was approved by her. In the history of Republic of India, for the first time, the Prime Minister conducted a military operation of this magnitude using assistance from nontraditional fighting elements. This is of historical importance. I give her due credit for her bold initiative, qualities of leadership and her personal attention to all the critical aspects of our military mission. The records, the documents, the signal communications that directly pertain to Operation Eagle are not held at HQ Eastern Command and Army Headquarters in New Delhi. The Indian Army field commanders had no direct involvement in this Operation and they did not issue any orders for my participation or deployment for this military act. The Battle Plan of Operation Eagle includes the rules and conditions that formulated the eligibility criteria of its participants to receive Military Honours and Awards with or without any affiliation to Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence. Under these eligibility criteria several Civilian Officers serving in the Directorate General of Security of the Cabinet Secretariat had received Military Honours and Awards in recognition of their service rendered during Operation Eagle. These include Shri. Sujan Singh Uban who had received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Dr. Ramesh Chandra who had received the Vishisht Seva Medal, Shri. Tara Chand Pande who had received the Vishisht Seva Medal, and Shri. G B Velankar who had received the Gallantry Award of Vir Chakra.

MS-8466 Captain. R. Rudra Narasimham, AMC/SSC had served as Medical Officer at Headquarters Establishment No. 22 C/O  56  APO from September 1971 to December 1974. During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, he had participated in a mission described as ‘difficult’ and ‘hazardous’. He had provided medical support to the troops operating in the roadless, forest terrain of Chittagong Hill Tracts. His Commander, Major General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force had published a book  titled ’The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. General Uban had narrated the difficult nature of his military mission and the successful accomplishment of his task. For the Courage, Determination, Resolve, and Confidence displayed while operating inside the enemy territory, this Medical Officer was recommended for the award of ‘VIR CHAKRA’. The Citation recommending this Gallantry Award was made by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan of the Regiment of Artillery, the Infantry Commander of the South Column Unit of Operation Eagle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The military act that won recognition involved courage in the performance of military duties with minimal protection while facing the threat from  two different sources; 1. the threat of enemy forces in the area, and 2. the threat of Mizo rebels who had operated on both sides of the border between India, and Pakistan in that area. The risks of conducting a medical evacuation( which is the responsibility of the Force headquarters of Operation Eagle and not of the South Column Unit ) was fully understood by the Unit Commander and the operational Force Commander Brigadier T S Oberoi and SFF Commander Major General Sujan Singh Uban. However, the Force Headquarters had failed to execute its Medical Evacuation Plan for the battle and the Unit was assigned this difficult task in an area where there are no roads. The Unit Commander did not order this Unit Medical Officer to personally direct this medical evacuation and escort the battle wounded to their destination. The Medical Officer on his own initiative had responded to this challenge and went beyond the Call of his Duty and had completed the task without exposing his medical staff( Nursing Assistants ) to any risk to their lives. The Medical Officer, apart from his role as a doctor, had performed the duties of the Army Medical Corps Nursing Assistants who provide nursing care and comfort during  the process of medical evacuation. In the Annual Confidential Report for 1971-72 initiated by Lieutenant Colonel. B K Narayan, this Medical Officer’s performance during the 1971 War had been very warmly appreciated.The fact of recommendation made to confer gallantry award to this Medical Officer was  duly recorded. Colonel Iqbal Singh of the Regiment of Artillery had served as the Chief of Staff at the Force Headquarters of Op Eagle Commanded by Brigadier T S Oberoi during this Operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. During 1972, this Medical Officer was posted to a Unit that was Commanded by Colonel Iqbal Singh. This Medical Officer had applied for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission(DPC) in the Army Medical Corps. In his remarks on that application for the grant of DPC, Colonel Iqbal Singh gave a very detailed account of the Medical Officer’s performance during the 1971 War. During the AMC Examination of 1972 that was held in the month of September, this Medical Officer was interviewed by the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services(DGAFMS) in the presence of a Selection Committee. When questioned by the DGAFMS, the Medical Officer had narrated his role in providing medical support to troops involved in a difficult Operation. The DGAFMS had openly praised this Officer and had commended his performance and had concluded the interview with no further questions. The Officer was granted Direct Permanent Commission in the AMC with effect from March 07, 1973 and  allotted his personal number of MR-03277 K. The Medical Officer was not awarded the Gallantry Award for which he was recommended. The reasons stated by the Ministry of Defence were flimsy and at the best ridiculous. The reason for not conferring the award  was communicated to his South Column Unit of Special Frontier Force; the reason stated was that of the delay in submitting the Citation. The delay is just understandable. The Officer was deputed to the Special Frontier Force and his Commander Lieutenant Colonel. B K Narayan was not aware of the rules involved in submitting such a Citation in the time frame expected by the Military Secretary’s Branch of Army Hqrs, Ministry of Defence. Operation Eagle had established specific criteria and eligibility requirements for recognition to receive Service Medals, Honours, and Awards. We had followed those rules given by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Secretariat.The citation was sent direct to Army Headquarters Medical Directorate and had not used the Staff channels that Units operating under the command of HQ Eastern Command would have used. This Officer is of the view that a Gallantry Award is not the equivalent of winning a Prize in a Lucky Draw. This officer had stated that the “History cannot be rewritten”. At his Home Page of Bhavanajagat, the Officer had published a blog post with the title:”The Medical Plan for Fifth Army, The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts.” The Officer had narrated his account of a memorable Medical Evacuation of his battle wounded patients from the captured enemy post in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the Border Security Post(BSF) of Bona Pansuria in the Mizo Hills. From that BSF Post, the war casualties were airlifted to a Field Hospital in Lunglei  Mizoram. This remarkable journey on foot through enemy territory is known to all the Officers and men of his South Column Unit. The men had belonged to the Companies Commanded by Major Savendra Singh Negi, and Major G B Velankar. Both these officers were awarded Vir Chakra for the display of their Courage. This AMC Officer was the only medical support person to reach the just captured enemy post and was informed by the Unit Commander that a helicopter flight was not available for Casualty Evacuation. The men were greatly surprised. The Unit had not carried stretchers, blankets, and medical resuscitation fluids. The Fifth Army of Operation Eagle had not established Medical Staging Posts/ ‘Advanced Dressing Station’ in the Field for collection and Evacuation of Battle Casualties. This Medical Officer had courageously responded to this situation that was the result of the total failure of the Battle Casualty Evacuation Plan of Operation Eagle. The South Column Unit had not anticipated this difficulty posed by the lack of helicopter flight for airlifting the battle wounded soldiers. This Medical Officer had directed the preparation of improvised stretchers and the Unit Commander assembled a party of about sixty-five men to carry all the critically wounded patients on the improvised stretchers. The Medical Officer led this Medical Evacuation Team and he had no help from an Infantry Officer. They made a night halt in the forest during the long journey. This AMC Officer apart from giving medical care had also assumed the duties and responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant and that of an Ambulance Assistant during this historical march. He had remained vigilant, giving care, comfort, and reassurance to his patients and kept them in good spirits during a tedious and slow journey. His patients had survived this ordeal and had provided a very telling account about their evacuation through enemy territory. The BSF Post staff at Bona Pansuria in Mizo Hills had received this team with a sense of great rejoice for the wounded had won in their battle and had vanquished the enemy in their attack. He and his team walked back to the South Column Unit location marching a total distance of over 80 miles in 24 hours. Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune had issued a written testimonial during 1983 and had recorded his appreciation for the Services rendered by this Medical Officer during the 1971 War. 

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC( the tall person wearing dark brown turban). Prior to this appointment, General Oberoi was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune. I had known him since my participation in Operation Eagle 1971. The Liberation of Bangladesh commenced under the able leadership of Brigadier TS Oberoi during 1971. He was promptly promoted to the rank of Major General and was appointed as the Inspector General of Special Frontier Force. He exudes personal warmth at all times. People around him can always feel it. When I had boarded an aircraft to proceed to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he was present to greet us individually and he did not allow the aircraft to takeoff before a hot breakfast was served to all the men. Apart from military wisdom, he was a Commander who truly cared for the men under his Command. When I got married in January 1973, he sent me a long personal letter to give his good wishes. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album. General Oberoi’s grandson shared this photo.

Remarks of Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief,Headquarters Southern Command Pune 411001. He was the field Commander of Operation Eagle 1971 in Chittagong Hill Tracts while he had served at Headquarters Establishment No. 22 C/O 56 APO as the Commandant.

The remarks made by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, the Commander of South Column Operation Eagle(dated May 13, 1972) in my Annual Confidential Report for 1971-72 are as follows:”A very conscientious and Tough MO who worked hard during the Bangladesh OPs. He did very well and showed Maturity which was beyond the call of duty. I have recommended this Officer for a gallantry award for which he deserves eminently. He is physically Tough and cheerful. Is a fresh entrant with less than 2 years of Service and yet he displayed capability and confidence.

The Prime Minister whom I knew. The first posting of my Indian Army Medical Corps Career took me to the Special Frontier Force, the Directorate General of Security Establishment No. 22 that operates under the directives issued by the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretariat. Indira Gandhi’s Operation Eagle delivered the first blow during 1971 and initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh.

Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, the Southern Army Commander during 1983, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force is seen in this photo wearing a helmet. The photo was taken during 1982 while he had visited A S C Centre, Bangalore. While he was the Commandant at Headquarters Establishment No. 22 C/O 56 APO he had served as the Field Commander of Operation Eagle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He would have executed Operation Blue Star with due care and concern to save the lives of his men and also the civilians.

The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps. AMC must put this memorable Battlefield Medical Evacuation March in 1971 in its History Books to inspire other AMC Medical Officers to train and acquire the professional skills of Medical Assistant and Ambulance Assistant to give better service to the battle wounded in any future War.

The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps.Operation Eagle 1971 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. AMC must put this memorable Battlefield Medical Evacuation March in 1971 in its History Books to inspire other AMC Medical Officers to train and acquire the professional skills of Medical Assistant and Ambulance Assistant to give better service to the battle wounded in any future War.

Sangram Medal 1971. Evidence for my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Sangram Medal 1971. Evidence for my participation in Operation Eagle 1971 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Poorvi Star 1971. It is evidence of my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Poorvi Star 1971. It is evidence of my participation in Operation Eagle 1971 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during Indo-Pak War of 1971.

I was trained in the use of a 9 mm SMG or Sten Gun. I had chosen to march into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself. I did not throw away my weapon and I did not surrender my weapon to the enemy which are crimes under law. War is a team effort. My contribution to this team effort is not based upon firing bullets from my Sten Gun. I had totally discarded any concerns about my personal safety and worked for the success of the team. I have shown Courage by not carrying this Sten Gun and in following my team like a shadow and confronting the enemy as a TEAM.

I was trained in the use of a 9 mm SMG or Sten Gun. During Operation Eagle in the Chittagong Hill tracts, I had chosen to march into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself. I did not throw away my weapon and I did not surrender my weapon to the enemy which are crimes under law. War is a team effort. My contribution to this team effort is not based upon firing bullets from my Sten Gun. I had totally discarded any concerns about my personal safety and worked for the success of the team. I have shown Courage by not carrying this Sten Gun and in following my team like a shadow and confronting the enemy as a TEAM.

American made High-Explosive Fragmentation Mark II Hand Grenade. Pakistan's Army uses this type of hand grenades. During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, I had collected two such hand grenades at the enemy post that we had captured. I had removed the Detonator to safely handle the grenade. I took them home and presented them to my father as a piece of evidence to support my claim that I had actually participated in the War. My father was afraid to keep my evidence. The Grenades were buried in Alcott Gardens, Rajahmundry.

American made High-Explosive Fragmentation Mark II Hand Grenade.OPERATION EAGLE 1971- Pakistan’s Army uses this type of hand grenades. During Operation Eagle, the India-Pakistan War of 1971, I had collected two such hand grenades at the enemy post that we had captured. I had removed the Detonator to safely handle the grenade. I took them home and presented them to my father as a piece of evidence to support my claim that I had actually participated in the War. My father was afraid to keep my evidence. The Grenades were buried in Alcot Gardens, Rajahmundry.

Made in China High-Explosive Fragmentation Hand Grenade. Chinese Army uses such type of hand grenades. Pakistan receives arms and ammunition from Communist China apart from the massive military aid it receives from the United States of America. In the Indo-Pak War of 1971, we had captured enemy posts and had recovered arms and ammunition that were made in China. Since I had participated in the War, I know the weapons, ammunition, and equipment used and their source.

Made in China High-Explosive Fragmentation Hand Grenade found during Operation Eagle 1971. Chinese Army uses such type of hand grenades. Pakistan receives arms and ammunition from Communist China apart from the massive military aid it receives from the United States of America. In the Indo-Pak War of 1971, we had captured enemy posts and had recovered arms and ammunition that were made in China. Since I had participated in the War, I know the weapons, ammunition, and equipment used and their source.

Shrimati. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India

Shrimati. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India. The President’s Secretariat did not act upon my grievance/petition about the award of gallantry awards -Operation Eagle 1971. It had simply forwarded my grievance to the wrong Department. My grievance should have been reviewed by the Cabinet Secretariat who had my Service Records that pertain to my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

The President’s Secretariat had established a Help line to receive requests and grievances from the public. I had requested the President of India to review the decision made by the Ministry of Defence in 1971 and had complained that the act of rejecting the Citation to award VIR CHAKRA in recognition of my courageous performance inside enemy territory, was ‘unfair’ and ‘unjust’. The President’s Secretariat had registered my grievance and had issued the following Grievance Registration Number : PRSEC/E/2009/05526.

I had stated that I could not give up my claim for the Gallantry Award and this recognition would benefit other members of Indian Army Medical Corps and would inspire them to distinguish themselves in providing comfort and in boosting up the morale of our fighting men and women of our Armed Forces.

THE STATUS OF GRIEVANCE PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA : AUGUST 31, 2009

On August 31, 2009, The President’s Secretariat had transferred my petition to the Ministry of Defence. For further information in this matter, I was asked to directly discuss with Shri. Anand Misra, Joint Secretary ( Estt&PG ), Room No. 97, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi. His telephone number is 237 92043. His e-mail address is : jse@nic.in

THE STATUS OF GRIEVANCE PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA : DECEMBER 28, 2009 :

OPERATION EAGLE 1971-Government of India, Ministry of Defence claims that Honours and Awards are conferred within a specific period from the date of the act. For every act, there are two parties involved. I had acted on behalf of Government of India and my action was directed against the Government of Pakistan. At this belated stage, after the lapse of over 32 years, what would be the view of the Government of Pakistan about this act?

On December 28, 2009 I had received a Registered Post Letter dated 2nd/3rd December, 2009 bearing No. 3533/2009/D( Cer ) from Government of India, Ministry of Defence. Shri. A.K. Gupta, Under Secretary ( Ceremonials ), Ministry of Defence signed the letter. The letter is  as under :

Subject :- Grievance petition for declining the gallantry award of Vir Chakra for his acts performed as Medical Officer in Military Operations in Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 – regarding.

“I am directed to refer to your E-Mail dated 25.8.2009 received through Centralized Public Grievances Redressal and Monitoring System, on the above subject and to say that the case has been examined in consultation with Army HQ. Army HQ have intimated that Honours and Awards are conferred within a specific period from the date of the act. As the incident mentioned by you is more than 32 years old, the same cannot be considered for any award at this belated stage.”

Indian Army HQ gave me the same response 32 years ago. The ‘Citation’ which had recommended this gallantry award of ‘Vir Chakra’ had never reached them on the stipulated date. Two infantry Officers of my Unit were awarded ’Vir Chakra’ for the same incident in which I had participated. As a Medical Officer, I know the technique described as “EXHUMATION”. The word ‘exhume’ means to dig out of the earth or disinter and the process helps to bring something hidden to ‘light’. The ‘truth’ of this over 32 years old incident is buried in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I know the exact place where the ‘truth’ is buried. I may have to dig out of the earth and show this truth and let the truth speak for itself.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA – GIVE ME PERMISSION TO NARRATE THIS OVER 32 YEAR OLD INCIDENT :

I am a Doctor of Medicine who is duly trained in the Art of Writing Case Histories. While narrating an incident and recording Case History, there are five fundamental “W”s that should be answered. The five “W”s are :

1.WHAT ? : A description of events that narrate the incident.

2. WHEN ? : The time frame during which the incident played out.

3. WHERE ? : The physical site where the incident took place.

4. WHO ? : The identities of the parties involved in the incident.

5. WHY ? : The underlying reasons that shaped this incident.

I had asked Shri. Anand Misra, Joint Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Defence to give me permission to narrate this incident.

MY PRESIDENTIAL CONNECTIONS :

The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The Commissioned Officers are appointed by the President and they are vested with authority. Since Commissioned Officers serve at the pleasure of the President, I just ventured to explore some of my connections with the Presidents of India.

This Grievance Registration Number of  PRSEC/E/2009/05526 has now established a formal connection between me and Shrimati. Pratibha Devisingh Patil who is the President of India since 25 July, 2007. I had connections with four distinguished people who had the honour of serving as the President of India in the past. I am delighted to share that information about my Presidential Connections.

Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888 -1975)

Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888 -1975). I am related to this President of India on my maternal side.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the President of India from May 1962 to May 1967. My maternal grandfather’s brother had married Dr. Radhakrishnan’s daughter. My maternal grandfather, Dr. Kasturi. Narayana Murthy, M.D was the Professor of Medicine at Madras Medical College and had lived in Mylapore, Madras. His younger brother, Shri Kasturi. Seshagiri Rao, an attorney, had also lived in Mylapore. I used to often visit him and spend my summer time reading a huge collection of story books that they had. His wife, my maternal grandmother, Smt. Rukmini had introduced me to Dr. Radhakrishnan who had his own residence in Mylapore, Madras. I was a kid and he knew my mother Smt. Annapurna who was known in the family circles as Ammaji and we had a very pleasant conversation about routine family matters. 

Dr Zakir Hussain (1897 - 1969 )

Dr Zakir Hussain (1897 – 1969 ). I met this President of India in Rashtrapati Bhavan during 1967.

Dr. Zakir Hussain was the President of India from May 1967 to May 1969. I had the opportunity to meet him in person at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during June 1967. I was a student at Kurnool Medical College and I had represented the State of Andhra Pradesh in a National Student Seminar on National Integration at New Delhi. He was full of grace and charms you with his sweet and persuasive talk. The Student Delegates had discussed with him a variety of subjects that are important for promoting National Unity.

  

Shri. Varahagiri Venkata Giri ( 1894 - 1980 )

Shri. Varahagiri Venkata Giri ( 1894 – 1980 ). I knew this President of India from the days he had served in the Madras State.

Shri. V. V. Giri was the President of India from August 1969 to August 1974 and was the acting President from May 1969 to July 1969.I have known Shri V. V .Giri while I was a kid and during the time I had spent at Mylapore, Madras with my maternal grandfather, Dr. Kasturi. Narayana Murthy, M.D. My grandfather had a very good relationship with Shri. Giri and used to visit him often while he was in Madras. I was granted Short Service Commission in the Indian Army Medical Corps. The Presidential Appointment granting me the rank of Lieutenant in the Regular Army from the 26th day of July 1970 was signed by President V. V. Giri on 20th day of September 1971( Registered No. M 3692 ).

Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy  ( 1913 - 1996 )

Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy ( 1913 – 1996 ). This President of India had signed the Presidential Commission Document that granted me Permanent Regular Commission in the Indian Army Medical Corps.

Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was India’s President from July 1977 to July 1982. My maternal grandfather, Dr. Kasturi. Narayana Murthy, M.D. knew Neelam Sanjiva Reddy when he was a young freedom fighter. In my blog post titled ‘Defining Indian Identity – The Language Factor’ published during August 2007, I had mentioned that Dr. K. N. Murthy, M.D. was present on the Dais along with Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu garu, and Neelam Sanjiva Reddy when the State of Andhra Rashtra came into existence on October 01, 1953 in Kurnool while Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had attended the inaugural function. As a student at Government Giriraj Arts College, Nizamabad, Andhra pradesh I had attended a few public meetings addressed by Neelam Sanjiva Reddy. He was an impressive and eloquent speaker. I was granted Direct Permanent Commission in the Indian Army Medical Corps during March 1973. My Presidential Appointment granting me the rank of Captain in the regular Army from the 7th day of March 1973 was signed by President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy on 18th day of October, 1979( Registered No. M-4439).

THE STATUS OF MY PETITION/GRIEVANCE AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE:

AWARD OF GALLANTRY AWARD-INDIA-PAKISTAN WAR OF 1971: My Petition/Grievance Registration Number: MODEF/E/2011/00761 Dated 24 September 2011 has been forwarded to Mr. Upamanyu Chatterjee, IAS, Chief Administrative Officer, Joint Secretary Defence Headquarters Training Institute, Ministry of Defence, E-Block, Tutu Road, DHQ Zone, New Delhi – 110 011 on 17 July 2012. His contact information: Phone Number : 23018201. I request all of my readers to contact this Joint Secretary and give support to my Petition/Grievance.

              

THE HIGHER FORCE OF KRUPA :

I am seeking this Gallantry Award of ‘VIR CHAKRA’ to seek recognition and acknowledgment of a Higher Force known in Sanskrit language as ‘KRUPA’. I had known very distinguished people in my life. Shri.V.V. Giri was the President of India while I was with the ‘Fifth Army’ in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. While I was a kid, I had travelled to Madras from Rajahmundry by the famous Howrah-Madras Mail. I was traveling alone without my other brothers. My mother had come to the railway station in Rajahmundry to see me off. She was very concerned about my safety during that train journey. She had discovered the daughter of Shri. V. V. Giri who was in the train and was traveling to Madras. My mother had handed over me to the care of Shri.V.V. Giri’s daughter who had promised my mother that she would keep me safe during my train journey. My mother was concerned about my safety. Her concern was answered and she found Shri.V.V. Giri’s daughter. We do not have the ability to bestow ’KRUPA’. We could only respond to its Energy and act in obedience to its Power. During the course of Fifth Army’s Operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, I did not ask President V. V. Giri to keep me safe and I had never tried to seek a posting at a ‘peace establishment’ and never made an attempt to avoid my posting to Units deployed in Field. During the military operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, I had personally witnessed the uplifting Power of a Higher Force. The Force of Krupa had enabled me to perform a remarkable and memorable journey through enemy territory. It was not my physical ability or intelligence that had protected me and defended me. I took care of the battle wounded soldiers by acting obediently and allowing myself to be fully controlled by the Power of Krupa. It is the Power that can change human behavior and actions. Krupa is the Energy that can transform human life. Krupa is the Force that can change the direction of our physical movement upon planet Earth. Krupa empowers human mind and propels our life’s journey in a new direction. Human existence is the manifestation of the Force of Krupa. We exist simply because of that Mercy, Compassion, and Grace of that Ultimate Reality which bestows Krupa. I want people to recognize this External Force and seek the benefits of its Power and Energy to defend their own existence.

LORD MADHAVA, the Consort of MADHAVI( which also means Sweet, Honey, Sugar, and Sweet Wine) bestows KRUPA and it imparts the taste of Sweetness known as MADHURYA.

LORD MADHAVA, the Consort of MADHAVI( which also means Sweet, Honey, Sugar, and Sweet Wine) bestows KRUPA and it imparts the taste of Sweetness known as MADHURYA. I had experienced this sensation of Sweetness or Madhurya during the military operations of Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Muukam karoti vachaalam, panghum langha ya tey girim,             

Yat Krupaa ta Maham, Vandey Paramaananda Maadhavam.

Dr. R. R. Narasimham/R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Service Number: MS-8466, Rank: LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN, Branch: Army Medical Corps/Short Service Regular Commission. 

Designation:Medical Officer, Unit: South Column, Operation Eagle(1971)

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O 56 A.P.O., Organization: Special Frontier Force.


http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spirits-of-Special-Frontier-Force/362056613878227

Biographical Information :

1. Place of Birth : MYLAPORE, Madras City, Chenna Patnam, Chennai, Madras State, Tamil Nadu, India. Born Hindu( Brahmin-Niyogi-Smartha), Telugu-Speaking.

2. Date and Place of Marriage : 29 January, 1973. Congregational Town Church, Cuddapah, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.


http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/the-medical-plan-for-fifth-army-the-experience-of-madhurya-in-chittagong-hill-tracts/

 

MAJOR GENERAL SUJAN SINGH UBAN : THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH


Indira Gandhi

Image via Wikipedia

 

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force had commanded the Fifth Army that initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh with a military action called Operation Eagle that was sanctioned by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 COMMANDED BY MAJOR GENERAL SUJAN SINGH UBAN INSPECTOR GENERAL SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SECURITY R K PURAM NEW DELHI

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH 1971:

Major General ( Retd) Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force had published the book titled,’The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh‘. He had narrated the story about the military exploits of his force in Chittagong Hill Tracts during Indo-Pak War of 1971. Please read the story about the Fifth Army at my blog post titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill tracts’.


http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/the-phantoms-of-chittagong-a-story-from-chittagong-hill-tracts/

Dr. R. R.Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ex Number – MS-8466 CAPTAIN AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO