OPERATION EAGLE – A DEMAND FOR JUSTICE FROM DR. MANMOHAN SINGH, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA


Manmohan Singh, current prime minister of India.

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My elder brother Pratap is seen with me in a photo taken in Mylapore, Madras(Chennai) and he is the author of this letter demanding action from Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971-CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS-LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH-A DEMAND FOR JUSTICE

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – GALLANTRY AWARD: 

 

FROM,

R.Pratap Narayan,
Fair View Apartment,
Street No 8,
Habshiguda,
Hyderabad, A.P. – 500 007.

To,

The Prime Minister Of India,
NEW DELHI.

 

Respected Sir,

I request you to consider my brother’s letter to you. I hope that you will take appropriate steps to review the long

pending case of my brother Mr. R.Rudra Narasimham. Gallantry Awards should be presented by the Nation

as a mark of respect for the Service rendered to the Motherland. Justice delayed is considered as Justice denied.

I expect Justice to my brother from you in this case.

With regards,

 

Pratap Narayan.

 

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 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,

4. 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 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 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. Rudra 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 No.22  C/O  56  APO

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

This response dated 02/03 December, 2009 does not suggest that no citation was initiated to consider the Award of Vir Chakra Gallantry Award. However, it carefully conceals the fact that the Military Operation specifically pertains to Operation Eagle for which the Rules of Engagement were prescribed by the Prime Minister of India and not by Indian Army.

This response from Military Secretary’s Branch Ministry of Defence(Army) categorically claims that it had not seen the Citation that recommended my name for the award of Vir Chakra Gallantry Award. The letter also carefully avoids any reference to name the Military Operation called Operation Eagle which was executed by the orders issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.Shri. S. Kumar, Deputy Director, Military Secretary’s Branch(X), Ministry of Defence(Army) is not telling the truth in this letter. If truth is concealed, it cannot serve the purpose of providing Justice. Indian Army must accept the truth. The truth is Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence have not issued the Rules of Engagement for the Military Operation called Operation Eagle. This Battle of 1971 was fought under a Battle Plan and Rules of Engagement issued by the Prime Minister’s office. The Rules for this War include the benefit of receiving Gallantry Awards as recommended. There is no time stipulated in this Battle Plan for receiving the Award. Indian Army cannot change the Rules of this Battle Plan for Operation Eagle.Shri. S. Kumar, Deputy Director, Military Secretary’s Branch(X), Ministry of Defence(Army) is not telling the truth in this letter. If truth is concealed, it cannot serve the purpose of providing Justice. Indian Army must accept the truth. The truth is Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence have not issued the Rules of Engagement for the Military Operation called Operation Eagle. This Battle of 1971 was fought under a Battle Plan and Rules of Engagement issued by the Prime Minister’s office. The Rules for this War include the benefit of receiving Gallantry Awards as recommended. There is no time stipulated in this Battle Plan for receiving the Award. Indian Army cannot change the Rules of this Battle Plan for Operation Eagle.

Shri. S. Kumar, Deputy Director, Military Secretary’s Branch(X), Ministry of Defence(Army) is not telling the truth in this letter. If truth is concealed, it cannot serve the purpose of providing Justice. Indian Army must accept the truth. The truth is Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence have not issued the Rules of Engagement for the Military Operation called Operation Eagle. This Battle of 1971 was fought under a Battle Plan and Rules of Engagement issued by the Prime Minister’s office. The Rules for this War include the benefit of receiving Gallantry Awards as recommended. There is no time stipulated in this Battle Plan for receiving the Award. Indian Army cannot change the Rules of this Battle Plan for Operation Eagle.

THE ART OF BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE


The Battle Field Resuscitation of Prince Lakshmana by HANUMAN

The Battlefield Resuscitation of Prince Lakshmana by HANUMAN

In the epic poem of Ramayana, the battle wounded Lakshmana is resuscitated by a medicinal herb known as 'SANJIVANI', fetched by mighty Hanuman.Ramayana also describes the Art of Diagnosing the Medical Condition known as 'SHOCK' from the facial appearance of the Battle Casualty.

In the epic poem of Ramayana, the battle wounded Lakshmana is resuscitated by a medicinal herb known as ‘SANJIVANI’, fetched by mighty Hanuman.Ramayana also describes the Art of Diagnosing the Medical Condition known as ‘SHOCK’ from the facial appearance of the Battle Casualty.

Florence Nightingale became famous for her role in providing CARE and COMFORT to the Battle Casualties in the Crimean War.

Florence Nightingale became famous for her role in providing CARE and COMFORT to the Battle Casualties in the Crimean War.

The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps symbolizes its Primary Mission.

The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps symbolizes its Primary Mission.

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

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – THE ART OF BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. This post is related to that battlefield experience.

Army represents a large organized force armed and trained for War. The Primary Mission of Army is to wage a War or to defend itself in a War. The purpose of Army Medical Corps is to support the Army to accomplish its Primary Mission. AMC provides support during the Battle, while preparing for the Battle and to keep the Army Battle-Ready at all times. In a Combat, when a direct or indirect contact with an enemy is made, Casualties could occur. These Casualties could fall into three groups :

Group I : These are killed outright or severely wounded past any help. I had personally witnessed such Battle Casualties who had died in my presence. However, it is important to identify them and document the nature of injuries with an aim to develop a strategy to use more effective Battle Plans and in evolving better personal protective clothing and devices.

Group II : These Casualties are severely wounded, they require continuous medical support and supervision and transportation to a Field Hospital for appropriate Life saving Surgery and further definitive treatment in a Base Hospital.

Group III : These Casualties are less critically injured persons who need minimal medical attention. When appropriately treated at the Battalion level, they could be immediately returned to the Combat Operations and very useful in sustaining the numbers of the fighting force.

Army Medical Corps acts to prevent the loss of life amongst the Group II and Group III casualties. In doing so, AMC provides a blanket of ‘Care’ and ‘Comfort’ to those injured and it acts to boost up the morale of the entire fighting Force. AMC personnel take part in military Operations as Combatants and are entitled to carry their personal weapons.

THE EFFECTS OF BATTLE INJURIES :

The battle wound is a ‘CONTINUING’ injury and its effects on the entire body are dynamic ones. If  left unattended, the physical condition of the Battle Casualty deteriorates. Hemorrhage or loss of blood from a blood vessel is a major contributing factor to Shock and death. Most of those patients with wounds of great vessels of the chest and abdomen bleed to death before getting medical help. Bleeding could be; (a) External or visible, or (b) Internal or invisible. Apart from loss of blood, injuries damage soft tissues, internal organs and structures like bones and nerves.

Resuscitation actually means the act of reviving or restoring the vital functions of a severely wounded person. Resuscitation involves those procedures which are carried out to counteract the effect of the wound. Since the wound is a ‘continuing’ injury and its effects on the entire body are ‘dynamic’ ones, the Resuscitation is a process of ‘continuing’ treatment. Since the effects of the wound start as soon as the man is injured, Resuscitation should start as soon as the wounded man is seen. Hence, ‘FORWARD’ Medical Care is essential for the survival of the wounded. Resuscitation must commence in the ‘Field’ where the Battle Casualty is found. The AMC personnel, Medical Officers, Nursing Assistants, and Ambulance Assistants are combatants and it is not unfair to send trained medical personnel in the Combat Zone. Use of a qualified doctor in the ‘Forward’ location is far more beneficial to the wounded soldier. During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, I was present in the Combat Zone and my services were immediately made available to the wounded soldiers and had directly witnessed the benefits of initiating early treatment of Battle casualties. The concept of ‘Combat Life Saver’ improves the chances of Casualty survival. Emergency life saving treatment must start as far ‘FORWARD’ as possible and it must continue as a Casualty is evacuated to the rear. It must be understood that swift medical treatment greatly enhances survival. AMC must plan to provide Emergency medical treatment of soldiers at or near a Combat Zone to increase the chances of survival. The next major problem which contributes to the death of Casualties is that of a faulty Evacuation Plan. Lack of transportation is often the primary cause of untimely Evacuation. I had personally encountered this problem of lack of transportation during the initial phase of the Indo-Pak War of 1971 but I met this challenge with courage and had taken my patients on a memorable foot journey and had them airlifted. My patients had all survived this ordeal. The initial treatment in the battle field is important to ensure that the Casualty will stand the journey to the rear. The wounded patient must be able to survive the journey and should not arrive at the Field Hospital dead or dying.

THE PRIMARY AIMS OF TREATMENT AT BATTALION LEVEL :

1. If necessary, establish and maintain an adequate airway. The basic mechanisms of respiration should be intact. A ‘sucking’ wound of the chest must be immediately sealed.

2. Bleeding should be stopped or arrested. Severe blood loss may not be evident immediately after injury. After wounding, a blood-volume deficiency will always occur. As opposed to internal bleeding, bleeding from blood vessels in extremities can be controlled more easily. The pressure dressing used must be tight enough to control bleeding. If applied properly, pressure dressings will often control major hemorrhage than the use of a tourniquet. The aim is to prevent the onset of Shock, delay its progression and to stabilize patient’s condition to prepare him for transportation.

3. Relief of Pain : Pain induces and aggravates stress. Prompt relief of pain provides an enormous sense of Comfort. Pain aggravates the casualty’s poor condition. Fractures apart from causing pain, also increase damage to muscles and thereby promote further blood loss. Fractures must be adequately splinted. Patient must be properly immobilized to withstand Evacuation. The pain associated with most soft tissue injuries could be easily relieved by the use of Morphine. I had very effectively used Injection Tubonic Morphia/ Morphia syrettes 0.25 or 1/4 grain.

4. Prevention of Wound Infection : Wounds break the barriers against bacteria. Bandages should not be applied carelessly. When applied properly, bandages arrest bleeding, prevent disturbance of the wound by foreign objects and prevents further contamination. Battle wounds get easily contaminated. Before clinical evidence of infection, early administration of antibiotics is useful. I had orally administered Tetracycline tablets, a broad-spectrum antibiotic with very good results.

5. DO NOT LAY TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON TRANSPORTATION : Hurried Evacuation leads to undue deterioration during transportation.  The transportation should not be at the expense of proper treatment. The Medical Officer at the Battalion in a Combat Zone is not merely a First-Aid provider. He is the most important member of the Resuscitative Team. He must take time to institute initial procedures which will best prepare the wounded soldier for transportation. At all times, the Medical Officer must aim to put a Casualty in the best possible condition for transportation in the shortest period of time.

Army Medical Corps and the concept of CARE and COMFORT

Army Medical Corps and the concept of CARE and COMFORT during Battle.

THE CONCEPT OF CARE AND COMFORT :

Army Medical Corps accomplishes its mission of providing ‘CARE’ by making an effort and actually by reaching the Battle Casualty as early as possible. The presence and the physical contact with a person providing medical aid gives the feeling of being cared for. The Battle Casualty should not struggle to find his way to reach the Regimental Aid Post. A Battle Casualty feels reassured if the medical care provider demonstrates a sense of resolve, determination, and purpose in reaching out to the wounded person in the Field. An early and effective medical intervention is the key to deliver ‘Care’ and ‘Comfort’. The human body experiences a sense of improvement when the bleeding is stopped, when the pain is relieved and when you are placed in a position that physiologically contributes to the sense of ‘Comfort’. I also speak about the role of compassionate care in the relief of pain and in the management of pain. Compassion acts like a Force/Power/Energy. It has an uplifting power. Compassion provides both a physical and mental experience on the person providing the care and on the person receiving the care. The caregiver experiences less physical and mental fatigue and would be able to accomplish a physically and mentally challenging task with ease and a sense of joy or happiness. The person receiving the care experiences a sense of calm and reassurance, his pain tolerance improves, he becomes pain resistant and wold require less effort in his pain management both in terms of the dose and the frequency of his pain relief medication. The psychological and physical stress caused by the battle injuries is reduced as the wounded person experiences a sense of joy or happiness for getting compassionate attention. Human touch is a powerful tool in the arena of Battlefield Medicine. 

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and the AMC Centre and School in Lucknow should prepare Medical Officers to face the Greatest Challenge of its Primary Mission.

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and the AMC Centre and School in Lucknow should prepare Medical Officers to face the Greatest Challenge of its Primary Mission.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR ARMY MEDICAL CORPS  :

The lives of the seriously wounded soldiers depend upon the professional skills of the Medical Officer and other medical personnel deployed at the Battalion level. I had served as a Medical Officer at a Battalion level during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, and had later trained in a Field Hospital in providing support to an Infantry Division, and in a Medical Battalion that was providing medical support to an Armoured Division. I had also used this experience in serving the Land Forces of the Sultanate of Oman. The need for the best trained men in the most ’FORWARD’ location where the greatest test of ability is made remains the Greatest Challenge for the Army Medical Corps. AMC must orient its policy and training to achieve this end. AMC must apportion training time of the Medical Officer so that a maximum training occurs in the Combat Zone in providing initial Resuscitative Care to the Battle Casualty. To supervise the training of the medical care support personnel, the Medical Officer should also be trained to acquire the professional skills that are used by a Nursing Assistant and an Ambulance Assistant. In the Art of Battle-Field Medicine, no job is a small job.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

Please feel free to share this page with your friends and others who may care about preserving the lives of the battle wounded persons.

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

Ex-Number. MS-8466 Rank. LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC   

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO   

Related Blog Posts :

1. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971.

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/award-of-gallantry-awards-indo-pak-war-of-1971/  

2. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

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

3. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009

4. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 17, 2009

5. The Victory over Death – The Psychology of Warfare – July 13, 2009

6. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009

7. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? – January 28, 2009

8. Sangram Medal 1971 – A Story that I Shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services – November 11, 2009

9. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

10. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007

 

THE VICTORY OVER DEATH – THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WARFARE


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LORD SHIVA, TRIYAMBAKA

LORD SHIVA, TRIYAMBAKA – Blessings for Victory over Death.

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

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – THE VICTORY OVER DEATH – THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WARFARE

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. This blog post is related to the war experience obtained by conducting the military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Kachumbar/Cucumber, Cucumis sativus, a native of India.

Kachumbar/Cucumber, Cucumis sativus, a native of India.

'DOSA KAI', A POPULAR CUCUMBER OF TELUGU PEOPLE.

‘DOSA KAI’, A POPULAR CUCUMBER OF TELUGU PEOPLE.

MRITYUNJAYA MAHA MANTRA

MRITYUNJAYA MAHA MANTRA

MRITYUNJAYA MAHA MANTRA :

Om, Triyambakam, Yajamahe,

Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam,

Urvaru kamiva bandhanaan

Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritaat.

This hymn in praise of Lord Shiva also known as ‘Triyambaka’ appears in the ancient Vedic Book of ‘Rig Veda’. It expresses a very unique idea or concept about conquering death. This idea has originated in India as the idea is connected to a plant that is a native of India. Man is mortal, and just like a fully ripened fruit falls off from a tree, a man ripe in his age, even when not afflicted by any disease or sickness, would meet natural physical death. This Mantra suggests that a man can become ‘immortal’( a person  who has consumed the divine nectar known as ‘Amrita’) and conquer physical death( Mrityu) by simply severing his psychological attachment to his own life and liberating( Mukshiya) himself from bondage. This Mantra compares the act of cutting attachments to free oneself( Mukti) to secure victory( Jaya) over physical death( Mrityu) to the act of harvesting Cucumbers( Urvaru). The pedicle(Kamiva or the stalk of the fruit) should be severed to separate the fruit from its attachment(Bandhan) to the Vine.

Cucumber, Cucumis sativus is a vine fruit. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to northwestern India and is being cultivated for thousands of years. The fruit is harvested in the immature stage and is eaten in its unripe, green form. The ripe fruit turns bitter and is not eaten. The fruit is firmly attached to the vine by its stalk or pedicle. The unripe, green fruit would not naturally fall off from the vine. The farmer harvests the Cucumber by cutting off the pedicle( Kamiva). This analogy of severing the connection and freeing the Cucumber also implies that man should not wait until he reaches a very ripe age to conquer physical death. A man who is still at an unripe age or still young in years, just like the unripe and green fruit of Cucumber, should plan to overcome death or his ‘liberation’ from death, by cutting away the stalk or pedicle which symbolizes ‘attachment’( bandhan). The ‘attachment’ in the context of man and his mortality could be described as his ‘Fear of Death’. By overcoming his ‘Fear of Death’, a man’s ‘attachment’ to the ‘Vine of Life’ is severed and he is ‘Liberated’ (Mukshiya) from Death(Mrityu). As long as the ‘Fear of Death’ is alive, man cannot win his battle against Death and mortality. To achieve ’immortality’, man must conquer his ‘Fear of Death’. Indians seek to praise (Yajamahe) the Lord known as ‘Triyambaka’ for He had declared His victory over Death(Mrityu) by burning away all of His desires and had become Free from all Attachments. Shiva physically demonstrates His Freedom from Attachments by covering His entire body with ashes( Bhasma), the burnt residue of His desires.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WARFARE  :

An Infantry soldier to ‘attack’ his enemy’s position has to physically ‘advance’ towards the entrenched enemy and directly confront the enemy. The ‘assault’ on the enemy’s position or site is carefully planned and the Infantry soldier is physically, and psychologically ready for his task which exposes him to the threat of death. The soldier loosens the attachment called the ‘Fear of Death’ in his march towards the enemy. A man who is tied down by the ‘Fear of Death’ cannot physically move towards his enemy who symbolizes the threat of death. I had participated in the 1971 War of Liberation of Bangladesh. The men of my Unit had not recited the ‘Mrityunjaya Maha Mantra’, but they had used its concept in their psychological preparation for War and in their attack on their enemy’s positions. Our success in 1971 over the enemy had demonstrated that the concept of breaking the stalk or pedicle is useful to gain victory over the ‘Fear of Death’ before we actually meet the threat of Death.

The Psychology of Warfare.The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

In my blog post titled “PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN”, dated Monday, September 17, 2007, I had described the ability to conquer fear as ‘Courage’. Courage does not mean the absence of ’Fear’. Rani Padmini has truly immortalized herself by her victory over the ‘Fear of Death’. She had defeated her enemy’s intention to violate her personal dignity and honor. She could embrace fire for she had overcome the ‘Fear of Death’. She lives in our hearts today as a truly “IMMORTAL” person. She could be described as a person who had declared Victory over Death(Mrityun Jaya).

http://www.youtube.com/Watch?v=Sat5WwAxTws

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

Ex-Number.  MS-8466, Rank. LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC 

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971 

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO

Related Blog Posts :

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/award-of-gallantry-awards-indo-pak-war-of-1971/

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

1. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides .

2. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971

3. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts 

4. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts 

5. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts

THE MEDICAL PLAN FOR FIFTH ARMY – THE EXPERIENCE OF MADHURYA IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS


SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – MILITARY ACTION IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH 1971:

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE:

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, during 1971 had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle.

This map contains my estimates of the units in...
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General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force.

General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force. The Commander of ‘Fifth Army in Bangladesh’.

Major General (Retd) Sujan Singh Uban  AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force had published a book that is titled ’The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. He had narrated the story about his  Special Frontier Force that had liberated Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. He did not discuss the Medical Plan for Evacuation of battle casualties.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC( the tall person wearing dark brown turban ). The Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced during 1971 under the able leadership of Brigadier TS Oberoi. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

MS8466 CAPTAIN. R. Rudra Narasimham, AMC/SSRC, Medical Officer, Special Frontier Force.

MS8466 CAPTAIN. R. Rudra Narasimham, AMC/SSRC, Medical Officer, Special Frontier Force.He had served in the Fifth Army in Bangladesh.

THE ORGANIZATION OF MEDICAL SUPPORT IN THE BATTLEFIELD :

Each Unit or Regiment of the Armed Forces operating in the Field have to initially take care of their wounded soldiers at the Front Line of real combat. Units in the Field often set up a Regimental Aid Post ( RAP ) to give medical support. Army Medical Corps positions its staff which includes Ambulance Assistants, Nursing Assistants, and Medical Officers. The staff belonging to the Army Medical Corps give this morale-boosting blanket of comfort. However, the medical resources that are available at RAP are very limited. Because of the distances, time ( of critical importance for survival and eventual recovery), and practical difficulties involved, the battle casualties are evacuated from the forward-most line of contact to the nearest Field Hospital by positioning Staging Posts along the Chain of Medical Evacuation. A Staging Post that is often used is known as the Advanced Dressing Station( ADS ). At an ADS, the battle casualty could be resuscitated by intravenous fluids. Apart from resources like stretchers and blankets, ADS could deploy ambulances to speedily evacuate wounded men to a Field Hospital or another intermediate Medical Staging Post. 

THE MEDICAL PLAN FOR THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH :

The Fifth Army was tasked to operate independently with very limited logistical support. During the initial phases of the military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts, the men had operated on foot, on a ‘Man-Pack’ basis in roadless forests. A military Field Hospital with a Surgical Team was established at Lungleh or Lunglei in the Mizo Hills. Between the battle field and the Hospital, there were no Medical Staging Posts along the route of Casualty Evacuation. The Fifth Army did not set up any Advanced Dressing Stations. The Medical Plan was to initially provide medical support at any place selected by the Battalion in the Field and to directly evacuate the casualty to Lungleh by using helicopters. It was indeed a simple plan. None of us including my Battalion Commander Colonel B K Narayan, Brigadier T S Oberoi, the field Commander of this task Force, and his Chief of Staff Colonel Iqbal Singh had ever imagined that there could be a big surprise in the execution of this straight forward Medical Evacuation Plan.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts described as the ‘Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

A SHOCKING SURPRISE AND A COURAGEOUS RESPONSE  :

The first attack on the enemy position was made by the men led by Major Savender Singh Negi and Major G B Velankar of my South Column Unit. Later, both Officers had received the Gallantry Awards of Vir Chakra for the courage displayed by them. In the Indo-Pak War of 1971, these two Officers were the first  decorated. As this successful attack was concluding, my Unit Commander was informed that an airlift of battle casualties was not possible due to tactical and working difficulties. A helicopter flight to the enemy post that we had captured was not possible on that day. Most of the enemy defenders of the post that we had attacked had escaped into the forest. The enemy could regroup and launch a counterattack to retake the position. Our men had already taken up defensive positions and were ready to fight if the enemy wanted to challenge us. The use of helicopter for medical evacuation was vital to ensure the success of our military expedition. The men reacted to the news with a sense of utter disbelief. We were inside an enemy territory without stretchers, blankets and equipment for medical resuscitation. The nearest Border Security Force ( BSF ) outpost on the Indian border was over forty miles away. This BSF Post had a secure helipad. The challenge we had faced was to carry our battle casualties across a difficult terrain and to keep them alive until they could get to the helipad. None of the wounded were in a condition to walk on their own. All of them needed transportation as lying patients in stretchers. The Unit had not come ready to use any of its men as Stretcher Bearers. Each man had an assigned role in his own Platoon/Company. I had willingly accepted to respond to this challenge and assume the responsibility to safely evacuate my patients and go with them on a foot journey to the BSF Post. The morale of the men got instantly boosted up. Pointing towards the stands of Bamboo, I had suggested to the men that we could make our own improvised stretchers. It was a pleasure to watch these smart and talented men who went into action and the stretchers were assembled and ready for use in a short time. I did not get a chance to offer any guidance about how to prepare an improvised stretcher. They had entirely acted on their own.

THE MEDICAL EVACUATION - A MEMORABLE FOOT JOURNEY  :

My South Column Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan had to make a very difficult decision. He had to spare his fighting men for performing the duty of stretcher bearers. He had assembled a party of about sixty or sixty-five men to lift and carry the stretchers and to defend the party. Stretcher bearing is a difficult task. A Bangla Muslim refugee was given to us as a guide. He had not deputed an Infantry Officer to go with us on this tedious mission. I did not make any such demand. My medical staff, the AMC Nursing Assistants were distributed to different Companies and I had wanted them to stay at their posts as the situation on the ground was still unpredictable. Hence, I was the only Army Medical Corps medical support person in this entire party proceeding on a foot journey to the BSF Post at Bonapansuria in Mizo Hills. After marching for over three hours, the nightfall and darkness obscured our path and we could not move any further. We had decided to camp on that jungle track. The men took turns to stay awake and remained vigilant. I kept a close watch on the condition of my patients, provided comfort and assurance and encouraged them to keep drinking small amounts of water to keep them hydrated and to prevent shock associated with blood loss due to injuries. I had administered the water and medicines( broad spectrum antibiotic pills to prevent wound infection and Injection Tubonic Morphia to relieve pain), checked and had applied dressings and bandages as needed. We were concerned about the Mizo rebel activity in those forests. Fortunately, we spent the night without any untoward incident. We had continued our march early morning before sunrise and finally reached a stream that marks the boundary between Indian Mizo Hills and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The water level in the stream was low. We waded through knee level water with our stretchers. The BSF Post police personnel at Bonapansuria were delighted to receive us. They had rejoiced because of our recent victory and for capturing the enemy post. The staff at the Bonapansuria BSF Post were among the first group of Indians who knew about our military expedition and its success in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The helicopter had soon arrived at that BSF Post to further transport my patients to the Field Hospital in Lungleh. All of my patients had survived this prolonged ordeal. They had remained calm and hopeful during the entire trip. I had only used the very basic principles of Medicine and Resuscitation to give support to my patients. I had arrested bleeding, prevented blood loss, provided relief from pain, and kept them well-hydrated. My physical presence provided them with a sense of reassurance that they had needed. I was their doctor, their nurse, and their medical attendant during our march. This was a memorable, one of its kind medical evacuation story in the history of Indian Army Medical Corps. If I had shown a sense of resolve, determination, and confidence, it was because of  all these wonderful people acting as my eye witnesses. I was performing in front of their eyes. They had absolute trust in my abilities. My patients had not only survived but also had cheerfully provided a telling testimony to others who had visited them at the Field Hospital in Lungleh. That was the Force/Energy/Power of ‘Krupa’ that had lifted us and carried us through this medical mission to protect, to keep, and to sustain human existence. I spoke about, ‘KRUPA – A FORCE TO PRESERVE HUMAN EXISTENCE’ at my blog post dated August 10, 2009.

THE EXPERIENCE OF ‘MADHURYA’( SWEETNESS) AND A CHAKMA EYE WITNESS :

THE BUTTERFLY KNOWS THE SWEETNESS OF NECTAR(MADHU).

THE BUTTERFLY KNOWS THE SWEETNESS OF NECTAR(MADHU).

The hand that bestows ‘KRUPA’ would not be seen. I had described ‘KRUPA’ as a Force/Energy/Power. The recipient of ’KRUPA’ would only experience ‘MADHURYA’ or a sense of Sweetness. At the conclusion of our medical mission, we were not feeling tired. We were simply filled with JOY. We were ready to walk back immediately and rejoin the Unit in Chittagong Hill Tracts. We started back, briskly walking through the forest without any breaks. Due to security concerns, we did not bunch up as a single group. The men remained vigilant with their loaded weapons and were fully ready to engage any enemy. During that return trip through the forest,to my utter surprise, a young Chakma male appeared before me, apparently from nowhere. The Bangla Muslim Refugee who was walking slightly ahead of me had stopped. The Chakma tribe speak a Bengali dialect. He had conveyed to the Bangla guide that he needed my help. His father was bedridden and was in great pain. I was totally shocked to know that this unknown Chakma living in the middle of a forest had correctly identified me as a doctor of medicine. At that moment, I just looked like any other soldier. My Olive Green uniform was crumpled and dirty. I was in the same clothes for more than seven days both day and night. I had not changed my socks. I had no shower and I had not shaved. This Chakma youth had not bothered to stop other men who were in my party hurriedly walking. He had not only approached me, but also he had a very specific reason for stopping me. For he had correctly known my identity, I had guessed that he had actually observed me while I was at work. He was my silent eye witness. He knew the trip we had made through the forest on the previous day. He had quietly observed while I had nursed and treated my patients. I did not want to refuse his request for help for he had correctly identified me . I was a known stranger. I was not a soldier running through the forest. The Chakma had eyes that could see. He had correctly comprehended my trade and understood that I had the skill to help people who are in pain. When our party was returning, he had decided to make use of that opportunity to seek my help. He did not treat me as a threat to his existence but as someone who could help his existence. I had agreed to go with him to his house. I was shocked when he had pointed his house to me. He had lived in a tree house which was hidden from our view when we walked on the track near the house. He had dropped a ladder for my use. I had asked my Bangla Guide to stay on the ground. My escort party of armed men were not alerted and had remained at about twenty feet distance from that tree. I did not want the Chakma family feel intimidated by our presence in their area. I had climbed up and met a Chakma man, the father of this young man who had stopped me. He was lying on the floor and was in pain. He had an ear infection which was giving him a terrible pain. I had dried up the ear discharge and had showed him  the importance of keeping the ear dry by using the cotton swab sticks that I had provided him. I had instilled antibiotic ear drops and showed him the way to instill ear drops after gently drying any discharge. I had a tube full of antibiotic pills. I had also given him pills for his pain and a supply of multivitamin pills. All of these pills come in different colors. I could instruct him in the use of the  pills that I had dispensed to him. I had personally administered the pills and he felt better with my brief visit and intervention. I had rejoined my Bangla Guide and the escort party and we made a safe return trip to our Unit location.

THE FORCE, ENERGY, AND POWER OF ‘KRUPA’  :

During this entire foot journey of over eighty miles, I had no sense of tiredness or physical fatigue. I had no sense of resentment or bitterness for making this trip which was not included in our initial Medical Plan for Casualty Evacuation. I did not experience even a trace of fear about my personal safety or wellbeing. The experience of ’MADHURYA’ was such; I was not irritated when a Chakma man had suddenly stopped me. I gave him no excuses. I had entered the stranger’s house without my personal weapon and without any concern about my personal security. It was not a casual visit. I had provided him the medicines he had needed for his recovery. The young Chakma man had displayed courage in approaching me and stopping me while I was in the company of a  large group of armed men. The previous day he had apparently watched us silently as we journeyed through the forest. He had overcome that sense of fear that had forced him to stay mute. He was able to communicate with a stranger who does not belong to his Land or Community. On my part, I had no desire and had no initiative that could have let me climb a tree and enter a tree house. Just like a physically handicapped person would have declined the challenge of climbing a tree, I would not have exercised my physical ability in climbing a tree and taking the risk of entering an unknown dwelling. The Chakma had not used a threat or coerced me in any way. However, I must admit that I was not motivated by a personal feeling of compassion. My actions were rather directed by a higher Force which had dispelled any concerns about personal security. If I had crossed  and had jumped over a physical barrier, I should attribute that action to an external Power that had lifted me from the ground. I had simply acted in obedience to a higher Force or Energy and not according to my personal will and choice. I had not personally experienced an urge to show compassion. I was rather propelled by an external Force of compassion to serve an unknown person who was confined to his tree house. I do not seek any personal credit or recognition for rendering medical help to an unknown forest dweller. I did not discuss the findings of my house visit with my Bangla Guide or with the rest of the soldiers who were waiting for me. I did not describe this incident to my Unit Commander and to other officers upon rejoining them. We just got busy with preparations for our next move to carry out the goals of our military expedition to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I am describing this incident and making an effort to put this incident into Public Record to recognize ‘KRUPA’ as an external Force that could change human behavior and actions. We do not have the ability to award ‘KRUPA’. We rather respond to its Energy and act in obedience to its Power. The Force of ‘KRUPA’ changes the course of our physical life. ‘KRUPA’ empowers human mind and propels our life’s journey in a new direction. In Armed Forces, the Code of Conduct demands that its members should greet and ‘SALUTE’ a Superior Officer. I ‘SALUTE’ that Superior Power of ‘KRUPA’ for I had recognized its ability to control my physical movements and actions.

WHO HAS EVER SEEN THE ‘HAND OF KRUPA’ ???

LORD MADHAVA is the Companion of MADHAVI. Madhavi is the Shakti, Power/Force/Energy that is Controlled by Lord Madhava. The Divine Function/Action with which this Shakti or Force of Madhavi uplifts a person is known by the Experience of Madhurya or Sweetness. Madhavi also means Madhu, Honey, or Nectar and Sweetness.

When we speak about Lord’s Compassion and Mercy and when we seek His Grace to protect our existence, do we ever get a chance to actually see the ‘HAND OF KRUPA’ which might give us the uplifting feeling???

This Chakma man was sick and was suffering with pain even before Indian Army had attacked the enemy post in Chittagong Hill Tracts. He was confined to his treehouse unknown to any of us. He had no chance of getting any help from the external world. The military plans and the routes that we would use were not even disclosed to me. When our Unit entered Chittagong Hill Tracts we had purposefully avoided the use of any known and existing beaten tracks in the forest. We had carefully planned to avoid any direct contact with Chakma during the course of our military expedition. We had planned to directly attack the enemy positions and help the Bangla Muslim refugees to return to their homes which were at a much farther distance in fully inhabited areas. This foot journey for medical evacuation was a total surprise and was not planned. I wonder if the Chakma patient had asked for the medical intervention that had happened. If the helicopter had arrived, I would have never made that journey. Did the Chakma’s prayer had the power to stop the helicopter arriving on that day at that site? The next day, a helicopter flight had  landed at that particular enemy post without any problem and an Officer who was posted to our Unit had reported for his duty.  

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

Ex- Number. MS-8466 Rank. Lieutenant/ Captain AMC/SSC 

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  A.P.O.

Related Blog Posts :

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/award-of-gallantry-awards-indo-pak-war-of-1971/

 1. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007

2. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

3. Sangram Medal 1971 – A Story that I shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services – November 22, 2007

4. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? – January 28, 2008

5. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009

6. The Victory over Death – The Psychology of Warfare – July 13, 2009

7. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 17, 2009

8. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009

9. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971

10. The Art of Battlefield Medicine – September 01, 2009  

THE FIFTH ARMY – THE UNTOLD STORY FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS


View of lush green Bandarban hills and valley

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

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. This battle plan is known as Operation Eagle.

A PHOTO ID PICTURE TAKEN IN 1972 AFTER THE LIBERATION WAR.
A PHOTO ID PICTURE TAKEN IN 1972 AFTER THE LIBERATION WAR.

In this picture, I have no medal ribbons to display. The medals for participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 had arrived later.

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, the Commander of Special Frontier Force.

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, the Commander of Special Frontier Force.The Commander of the ‘Fifth Army’ in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

General Sujan Singh Uban had narrated his story in his book titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

A VIEW OF INDIAN MIZO HILLS FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS

A VIEW OF INDIAN MIZO HILLS FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS

Rivers and streams flow throughout the region of Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Rivers and streams flow throughout the region of Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Early morning dense fog and mist in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Early morning dense fog and mist in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

I used a large waterproof poncho to get protection from early morning mist and dew.

I used a large waterproof poncho to get protection from early morning mist and dew.

The Fifth Army operated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The Fifth Army operated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Chittagong Hill Tracts is sparsely populated with isolated dwellings.

Chittagong Hill Tracts is sparsely populated with isolated dwellings.

The Simplicity of Chakma Existence.

The Simplicity of Chakma Existence.

The CHAKMA posed no threat but we had avoided direct contact.

The CHAKMA posed no threat but we had avoided direct contact.

I had camped at Kaptai Lake and it is memorable.

I had camped at Kaptai Lake and it is memorable.

I had regularly visited men deployed in Kaptai Lake Area.

I had regularly visited men deployed in Kaptai Lake Area.

We had never planned to blow up the dam over Karnaphuli River at KAPTAI.

We had never planned to blow up the dam over Karnaphuli River at KAPTAI.

For brief moments during 1971, messages in TELUGU language had appeared in the radio waves transmitted across Chittagong Hill Tracts.

For brief moments during 1971, messages in TELUGU language had appeared in the radio waves transmitted across Chittagong Hill Tracts.

We had operated in an area under the operational control of IV CORPS.

We had operated in an area under the operational control of IV CORPS.

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. He would have executed Operation Blue Star with due care and concern to save the lives of his men and also the civilians.

General T S Oberoi had exuded a natural sense of affection and warmth for he had truly cared about the men under his Command and this is a quality that men would seek in the Chief of Army Staff and he was denied that opportunity. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made a political choice and had appointed General K S Sundarji as the Chief of Army Staff. General T S Oberoi, the senior Army Commander, had to unfortunately retire from Service in 1985 and was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and served in that capacity until 1989.

In the history of Indian Army Medical Corps for the first time during 1971 I had provided the services of a Medical Officer, a Nursing Assistant, and an Ambulance Assistant.

In the history of Indian Army Medical Corps for the first time during 1971 I had provided the services of a Medical Officer, a Nursing Assistant, and an Ambulance Assistant.

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. 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.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved the ‘Fifth Army’s military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

I am pleased to claim that I had established an entirely new record in providing medical support to the battle wounded in an operational area of Chittagong Hill Tracts during Operation Eagle 1971, Liberation War of Bangladesh. To provide medical support to the battle casualties, I had reached the casualties at the enemy post that we had just captured. I was the only Army Medical Corps person on the ground. We had no stretchers, blankets, and resuscitation fluids. The casualties could not be airlifted as per the prior Medical Evacuation Plan. The men felt outraged. I had comforted them with my assurance that I would accompany them to the nearest helipad that was located over forty miles away at the  Border Security Force outpost of Bonapansuria near the border in the Indian Mizo Hills. The men prepared improvised stretchers. We had no Infantry Officer to accompany us. A party of about 65 men, a Bangla Refugee as a guide, carried all the battle casualties in stretchers and had camped overnight in the forest and had reached the helipad at Bonapansuria the next day morning. I had acted as the Medical Officer, the Nursing Assistant, and an Ambulance Assistant for the battle wounded during this foot journey through the difficult hilly and forest terrain. They had reached the Field Hospital in Lungleh in very good spirits and in a stable condition in spite of being critically wounded.

Lungleh, or Lunglei, was the destination for my battle wounded patients.

Lungleh, or Lunglei, was the destination for my battle wounded patients.

THE FLAG OF INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.

THE FLAG OF INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.

The sense of resolve, determination, and confidence with which I had accompanied my patients and had performed a foot journey walking over forty miles through the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts during Operation Eagle 1971 had given the sense of comfort and reassurance the men needed to boost up their morale. In the medical evacuation of battle casualties from the battle field, Army Medical Corps typically uses several Nursing Assistants and Ambulance Assistants who perform a variety of tasks. I had the unique privilege to perform their duties for I have a true sense of appreciation for the valuable services they render in providing patient care and comfort. I had actually self-learned the tasks they perform and knew it would be of a great value and an asset for my success as a Medical officer of Indian Army.

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

Ex- Number. MS-8466 Rank. LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO

Related Blog Posts :

1. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007

2. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

3. Sangram Medal 1971 – A Story that I Shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services. – November 22, 2007

4. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? -  January 28, 2008

5. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009

6. The Victory over Death – The Psychology of Warfare – July 13, 2009

7. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 17, 2009

8. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009

9. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971 – August 25, 2009

10. The Art of Battlefield Medicine – September 01, 2009

 

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/

 

THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG – A STORY FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS.


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

Indira Gandhi, the third Prime Minister of India had initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts and this battle action plan is known as Operation Eagle.

CHTs locator map in purple in Bangladesh
Image via Wikipedia
The Comic Strip Superhero- The Phantom,The Ghost Who Walks.

The Comic Strip Superhero- The Phantom,The Ghost Who Walks.

Lee Falk created the fictional Superhero known as PHANTOM

Lee Falk created the fictional Superhero known as PHANTOM

 

LEE FALK’S PHANTOM :

Leon Harrison Gross, popularly known as Lee Falk had created the comic strip superhero ‘The Phantom, The Ghost Who Walks’. The story of Phantom was initially set in the deep woods of Bengal of India. Later, the setting of the story moved to the jungles of the fictional African country of Bangalla. In that story, the true nature of Phantom is only known to the PYGMY tribe, the natives of the forest.

THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG : THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH      :       

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of the Special Frontier Force.

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of the Special Frontier Force. The Commander of ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong’.

Allied Publishers of India had published this book on April 1, 1985. The author of this Phantom fiction is Major General(Retd)Sujan Singh Uban. He had commanded the Special Frontier Force in the rank of Inspector General. In his story, General Uban narrated the military exploits of the Special Frontier Force during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. General Uban was deputed to carry out a hazardous operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. His force was airlifted to the northeast corner of India and had reached the border State of Mizoram and had proceeded on foot to accomplish its mission. The force had operated independently in the most difficult terrain of Chittagong Hill Tracts. For the success of this operation, General Uban was awarded the second highest medal for distinguished service known as ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ ( AVSM). Just like the ‘bush people’ of the forests of Bangalla know the true nature of PHANTOM, the native forest dwellers of Chittagong Hill Tracts described as ‘CHAKMA’ know the true nature of the ‘Fifth Army’ in Bangladesh. The Chakmas have eyes that can see. They had silently witnessed the movements of the Fifth Army. General Uban may not have contacted these denizens of the forests. He may have no clue as to what the Chakma might have seen. In the execution of General Uban’s military plan some of these gallant members of the Fifth Army had sacrificed their lives. General Uban was not present when the real heroes were cremated or buried. Apart from myself, I presume that the Chakma might have seen where the ‘Phantoms of Chittagong’ were buried. 

      

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE FIFTH ARMY :       

General Uban in his book has not described the full story about his military expedition to Bangladesh. He had not described the Medical Evacuation Plan for his operation. In the history of Indian Army Medical Corps, a unique chapter was added in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts. It would be my privilege to narrate that historical moment. General Uban may not be aware of the fact that I had actually marched into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself.

       

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. 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.

General Uban was not aware of the ‘SERMON’ delivered by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, my South Column Unit Commander at Kaptai. On a Friday morning, the religious worship service for Bangla Muslims of Kaptai was conducted by Colonel Narayan, a non-Muslim. I had already shared this story at my blog post titled ‘A Sermon at Kaptai Bangladesh’.      

General Uban was not aware of the use of Telugu language in military radio communications during a crucial phase of our Unit’s encounter with the enemy. Our enemy was not in a position to comprehend a South Indian language like Telugu. Myself and Colonel Narayan took advantage of that language barriers and had openly communicated in Telugu language. The enemy might have intercepted and listened to our radio conversations but did not decipher our messages. During 1971 War, for brief moments, the airwaves in Chittagong Hill tracts had carried words spoken in Telugu.       

General Uban is entitled to take credit for his military plan. However, the real credit goes to the person who had executed  the plan on the ground. Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC  who was the General Officer Commanding – in – Chief at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune during 1982-85 should get the real credit. I knew General Oberoi. In 1971, he was a Brigadier. While I was heading towards Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had personally seen me off in the early morning hours at an airfield. He had delayed the departure of the aircraft. He had insisted that the men must be served a hot breakfast before boarding the plane. I remember him for his sense of devotion to the men he had commanded. He had displayed this devotion in his actions and the manner in which the military plan was executed on the ground. The Government of India had simply overlooked his merit and had denied him the opportunity to serve the nation as the Chief of Army Staff. I had also served under General K S Sundarji at the First Armoured Division. In my blog post titled ‘Living Under The Shadow – A Prescription For Death’ dated June 22, 2009, I had stated that I could not perform the simple task of medical evacuation when I was called to attend upon his ailing wife. Whereas while serving under the Command of Brigadier Oberoi, in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts, I had written a new Chapter in the History Books of Indian Army Medical Corps. Based upon that story, I would intend to ask the Government of India to award me the Gallantry Award of Vir Chakra that was recommended but not granted. A  gallantry award is not the equivalent of winning a lottery ticket. The award is only a recognition of an event that had taken place. History cannot be rewritten. Apart from the ‘CITATION’ that had recommended me for this decoration, my Annual Confidential Report for the year 1971, Colonel Iqbal Singh’s Remarks on my application for Direct Permanent Commission – AMC Examination held in 1972 are part of the documents archived at Ministry of Defence, New Delhi. My actions in Chittagong Hill Tracts were witnessed by Bangla Muslim refugees who had accompanied us and more interestingly by a young Chakma man who had silently observed me while I cared and comforted the battle casualties. I am happy to narrate this Untold Story. Kindly view my Blog Post titled ‘ The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts – dated August 18, 2009. 

      

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. He would have executed Operation Blue Star with due care and concern to save the lives of his men and also the civilians.

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

Ex- Number. MS-8466 Rank. LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO.

Related Blog Posts :

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/award-of-gallantry-awards-indo-pak-war-of-1971/

1. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007

2. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

3. Sangram Medal 1971 – A Story that I shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services – November 22, 2007

4. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? – January 28, 2008

5. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009

6. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009

7. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971 .

8. The Art of Battlefield Medicine.

THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH - THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS.

THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH - THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives and would call her as the ‘Creator of the Phantoms of Chittagong’. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

THE SPIRIT OF A JEW – REVISITING THE BIRTH OF BANGLADESH


Dacca, Bangladesh

Indian T-55 tanks on their way to Dhaka.
Indian T-55 tanks on their way to Dhaka. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

LT GENERAL(Retd) JACK FREDERICK RALPH JACOB,PVSM, THE ARCHITECT OF SURRENDER AT DACCA

THE BIRTH OF BANGLADESH

Bangladesh declared its independence from Pakistani rule on March 25, 1971 but the Liberation was accomplished on 16th December, 1971 at 4.30 p.m. when the Pakistani army commander Lt General. A. A. K. Niazi signed the surrender document before people of Dhaka(DACCA) at Dhaka’s ‘Racecourse Maidan’ which is now known as ‘Suhrawardy Udyan’. Major General J F R Jacob, Chief of Staff of Indian Eastern Army had drafted the “instrument of surrender”. Earlier on that day of surrender, General Jacob had arrived to meet General Niazi who had actually wanted to discuss “only a ceasefire under the U.N.”The credit of arranging this modern history’s only public surrender by a vanquished force goes to this Jewish General of Indian Army. General Jacob’s Hebrew name is YAACOV RAFAEL. He is a ‘BAGHDADI’ Jew and the family had arrived in Calcutta about 200 years ago. About 36 years after the surrender ceremony, a 11-member delegation of Indian war veterans led by General Jacob were invited to Bangladesh to witness the 37th Independence Day celebrations on March 26, 2008. Some of the historical events are described by General Jacob in his book titled ‘SURRENDER AT DACCA:BIRTH OF A NATION’ and the book was published by Manohar Publishers in the year 2001. It is very interesting to note that General Jacob in an interview at Dacca had given some appreciation to the military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Liberation of Chittagong by Forces which operated outside the jurisdiction of Indian Army’s Eastern Command.

THE SPIRIT OF A JEW :

The Spirit of a Jew-The Birth of Bangladesh. I am able to recognize his Spirit as I had served in the same military operation and participated in military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. My Unit Adjutant Captain Kottayam Chacko Kurien( Emergency Commission Officer who had earlier served in Indian Army), a Kochi Jew had enriched my experience and understanding of Jewish Spirit.

General Jacob joined the British Indian Army(ARTILLERY) in 1942 because of his concerns about the persecution of Jews by the Nazis. Very interestingly, his first assignment during the World War II was in Iraq from where his ancestors had migrated to India. He had also served in Africa, Burma, and Sumatra during World War II. He had retired in 1978 after serving as the Commander of India’s Eastern Army. He was instrumental in saving the lives of many Pakistani service personnel, civilian staff, paramilitary forces and their families by successfully negotiating the modalities of the surrender at Dacca. The surrender had ensured that the prisoners would be treated with Dignity and Respect that they are entitled to under the Geneva Conventions of 1948. It guaranteed the safety and wellbeing of all who surrender. Much attention was given to safely remove the non-combatants and the soldiers were particularly protected from reprisal attacks by the victorious Bangla freedom fighters(Mukti Bahini).

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

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – REVISITING THE BIRTH OF BANGLADESH

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India during 1971, initiated Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle.

 

While General Jacob was the Chief of Staff at the Eastern Army Headquarters, the only other Jew in the Liberation War of Bangladesh was the Adjutant of my Unit.The Adjutant, Captain.Kottayam Chacko Kurien is a Kerala Jew. The Jews of Kerala were the first members of Jewish community to arrive in India and their migration dates back to the biblical times,starting with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and even the earlier period of their Babylonian Exile.There is evidence to prove that there was a Jewish community in India prior to the arrival of Saint Thomas in 52 A.D.Since I had participated in the 1971 War without my personal weapon, Captain Kurien was also assigned the responsibility of defending me. He took that task with a sense of cheer and true to his spirit of a Jew, he had solemnly announced that I would be the last person to get killed(by the enemy) in my Unit and had assured me that I should have no concerns for being unarmed. As we moved in, it did not take too long for an alert enemy patrol to spot our movement and they opened an intense barrage of gun fire. Captain. Kurien quickly dug up a trench and had asked me to take cover till things cool down. It was a very dark night, we responded with great restraint, and as we waited with our own attack plan, we allowed the enemy patrol to think that we were beaten back. As I was in good company, I could totally focus on my primary task of giving medical support to the men without any other concern about my personal safety. In the same operational zone, several miles away, a doctor had a very rough experience for lack of proper understanding of his role and for not trusting the men whom he was to support.

Having taken part in the military operation of 1971 to Liberate Bangladesh, I would give credit to the Indian Air Force who clinched the victory and the surrender by the Pakistani forces.Indian ground forces could rapidly advance towards Dacca and Chittagong as they never came under an air strike by Pakistan.General Jacob in his book had claimed that the Eastern Army had prepared a better operational plan but the facts are the ground assault can not proceed without air support and the coordinated support for the attack is planned at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi rather than at Kolkata where the Eastern Army Command is based. Indian Air Force dominated the air space and they were able to hit any enemy target with great precision and with the display of their air superiority and power, Pakistani General Niazi had no chance of protecting his ground forces and took the wise course of ending the battle and over 93,000 people eventually returned to Pakistan.

THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG : THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH  :

THE BIRTH OF BANGLADESH - The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

THE BIRTH OF BANGLADESH - Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, was my Commander during Indo-Pak War of 1971

Major General ( Retd) Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force had narrated the exploits of his Force in his book titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. General Uban had missed an opportunity to narrate several interesting aspects of this military operation and I am pleased to share some of the stories at my Blog Posts listed below :

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the well-being of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

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

Ex – Service Number: MS-8466, Rank. LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO.

Related Blog Posts :

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/award-of-gallantry-awards-indo-pak-war-of-1971/

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

1. A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh – September 22, 2007

2. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007

3. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

4. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? – January 28, 2008

5. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts 

6. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts 

7. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts

8. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971

9. The Art of Battlefield Medicine 

During Liberation War of Bangladesh,my Unit captured Kaptai. We had never planned to destroy this Dam at Kaptai.

During Liberation War of Bangladesh,my Unit captured Kaptai. We had never planned to destroy this Dam at Kaptai.

 

 

SANGRAM MEDAL 1971 – A STORY THAT I SHARED WITH THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ARMED FORCES MEDICAL SERVICES


The Sketch is of the former and first woman pr...

Image via Wikipedia

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?

 

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

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – I WAS AWARDED POORVI STAR AND SANGRAM MEDAL 1971 FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN OPERATION EAGLE

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. 

Sangram Medal 1971-72. Operation Eagle – Liberation War of Bangladesh

SANGRAM MEDAL 1971 

This medal was awarded for service during the 1971/72 War with Pakistan. This medal was given to all categories of personnel who served in the military, paramilitary forces, police, and civilians in service in the operational areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura between 3 December 1971 and 20 December 1972. A lot of people were awarded with this medal. I had an opportunity to narrate my story and spoke about my War experience to The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services during my interview for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission which was conducted during the Army Medical Corps Examination of 1972. 

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

The remarks made by Lt Col B K Narayan on 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.

 
 
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. 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 had participated in the INDO-PAK WAR of 1971 while serving in the Indian Army after getting selected for Short Service Regular Commission in 1969. After the War I had applied for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission and there were over 3,000 doctors who had applied for the few vacancies that were available at that time.The AMC Examination for the grant of DPC was held in September, 1972 at New Delhi. The selection process had included an examination to evaluate the professional skills and an interview hosted by The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services who was assisted by a large panel of specialists and other experts. In 1972, I was posted at a Unit and my Commander, Colonel Iqbal Singh had earlier served as the Chief of Staff at the Formation Headquarters during the 1971 War. My Commander was acutely aware of the fact that I was recommended for a Gallantry Award for my role in the War and that I had not received the Award. On my application for Direct Permanent Commission, Colonel Iqbal Singh , while giving his recommendation, wrote about my operational role and performance in the War. The Director General while commencing my interview took a brief look at my application and the remarks given by my Unit Commander. The first question that I was asked was to describe my War experience. As I spoke, the entire Selection Committee listened to me with great interest and the Director General was so fascinated with my story and he directed his second question to me, asked me to give him more details of the operation. I was a Medical Officer who had witnessed the War like a front row spectator and that was a very unique situation and only a very few get that kind of chance to witness a military operation without being a fighting soldier. He got totally engrossed with my story and he even forgot that all the time that was allotted for the interview had been used up. Since, the Selection Committee had to interview several more candidates on that day, the Director General concluded my interview with openly congratulating me for my performance during the War and he had graciously inquired the other members of the Selection Committee if they would like to ask me any more questions. They had unanimously announced that they had no other questions to ask and I was permitted to leave. A Major was designated to usher in the candidates for the interview and escort them out of the Conference Room was a witness to my performance during the interview. He had briefly spoken to me as I was leaving the venue. He had assured me that I was granted the Direct Permanent Commission and the confirmation letter would be a mere formality. A few weeks later, I did receive the confirmation letter and I was granted Direct Permanent Commission in Army Medical Corps with effect from 07 March 1973.  

Remarks of Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief,Headquarters Southern Command Pune 411001.He had remarked about my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Today, I still feel hesitant to share the story that I had narrated to my Director General and my guess is that the operation is still classified information and should not be shared with outside world.  

The story about ‘Sangram Medal’ and Permanent Regular Commission in Indian Army Medical Corps.The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

Poorvi Star 1971-A piece of material evidence in my possession.

Poorvi Star 1971-A piece of material evidence in my possession to prove my participation in Operation Eagle during Liberation War of Bangladesh 1971.

General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force was awarded the Medal of AVSM for rendering Very Distinguished Service during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force was awarded the Medal of AVSM for rendering Very Distinguished Service during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG : THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH  : 

Major General( Retd) Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force has authored the  book  titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. He had narrated the military exploits of his Force while operating in Chittagong Hill Tracts during Indo-Pak War of 1971. He did not describe the story that I had shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services. My story was witnessed by hundreds of independent eye witnesses, for example, the Border Security Force Personnel who were manning the Post at Bonapansuria in Mizo Hills had celebrated my arrival with Battle Casualties at their Camp.   

The Flag of Army Medical Corps. General Sujan Singh Uban,AVSM did not discuss the Medical Plan for his Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The contribution made by his AMC Medical Officer is not stated in his Book.

The Flag of Army Medical Corps. General Sujan Singh Uban,AVSM did not discuss the Medical Plan for his Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The contribution made by his AMC Medical Officer is not stated in his Book.

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

Ex- Service Number: MR-03277K MAJOR AMC/DPC & MS-8466 CAPTAIN AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO    

Related Blog Posts : 

1. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards- Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007 

2. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? – January 28, 2008 

3. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009 

4. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 17, 2009 

5. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009 

6. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009 

7. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971 – August 25, 2009 

8. The Art of Battlefield Medicine – September 01, 2009 

9. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

 

LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH – FALLEN HEROES ON BOTH SIDES


SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – ESTABLISHMENT NUMBER. 22 – OPERATION EAGLE –  LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH 1971:

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – FALLEN HEROES ON BOTH SIDES

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. 

Pakistan’s Lt. Gen A. A. K. Niazi signs the instrument of surrender on December 16, 1971, surrendering his forces to Lt. Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora Commander of ‘ Mitro Bahini ‘.   

A LESSON FROM INDIAN HISTORY  : 

The very first lesson that I have learned from Indian history is about the invasion of India by Alexander the Great in 326 B.C. King Porus( Raja Puru) chose to fight Alexander the Great in order to defend his kingdom Pauravaa and his people. In the epic battle, the King had lost his sons who all chose death in the battle rather than surrender. After fierce fighting and very heavy casualties on both sides, the King who had suffered many arrow wounds in the battle was defeated and was captured. In a famous meeting, Alexander had reportedly asked the King ” how should I treat you ? “. Porus replied, ” the way one King treats another “. Alexander was very impressed by the brave and powerful response of King Porus and ordered his men to immediately release the prisoner and offered him a seat and treated him with grace and dignity. This is our Indian tradition. It is honorable to choose death in the battle fighting your enemy. But it is equally important to treat your captured enemy with grace and dignity. The picture of Pakistan’s surrender to India on 16 December, 1971 truly reflects the adherence to our battle field’s traditions.     

FALLEN HEROES ON BOTH SIDES  : 

It would be a mistake to think that the Liberation War of Bangladesh was a ‘cake walk’ for India. I could narrate my personal experience about this War. I attended all the meetings at my Unit and the battle plans were very carefully discussed. The task was explained in strict professional terms. Not even once, the enemy was shown any disrespect. Even in private conversations, none of us spoke about the enemy in a derogatory manner. We wanted to accomplish our task and perform our duty using the skills and training we had received. We never underestimated enemy’s strength and professional competence. We clearly know the challenge is tough and we had no sense of bitterness while we accomplished our task. Our Unit was not involved in the major push towards the capital city. The enemy had deployed a lot of their troops along the border and we made contact with some of the posts they were defending. In the first encounter, Pakistan’s fighters had put up a brave resistance and I remember two of their Junior Commissioned Officers who had sacrificed their lives defending their post. These two Pakistani officers of Risaldar rank were firing their made in China machine guns, which make a characteristic ‘coughing’ sound. I was taken aback to know that apart from the United States, China’s massive involvement in the supply of weapons and ammunition to Pakistan. I was with a reserve company and was nervously watching the progress of our attack.The ‘coughing’ did not stop for a long time. Eventually, these ‘coughing’ machine guns were silenced when our men climbed over the roof of the fortified bunker and had tossed grenades inside.They could have given up and surrendered but they had willingly chose not to do so. We buried our brave men who gave their lives in this successful attack and so also we buried the enemy who chose to fight till the end. We had recognized that these two brave Pathans were just performing their duty in the same spirit with which we wanted to perform our job.These two were substantially responsible and in the true tradition of Armed Forces be given the credit for saving the lives of their comrades who had all escaped under the cover of darkness and we could not capture any one. In the second encounter, the fight was much more fierce, we achieved our goal and we paid a price. I had carefully documented the names of the battle killed and had them buried in the foreign soil and myself and my team of medical assistants had a busy time taking care of the battle wounded. We captured some enemy soldiers and I remember meeting a Baloch soldier who came to me for medical attention. He had an ankle injury and the injury was not life-threatening but I did not want that he should be forced to march with an ankle injury. I sent him to the Field Hospital in the same helicopter taking the battle wounded on our side.The Baloch soldiers were totally shocked and surprised to find a doctor working along with the men right next to the battle ground. I had asked him as to when he met a doctor on his side. They had no doctor on their side and they also lacked support from their Officers. None above the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer was present on their side to give them the encouragement that they would need in the stressful moments of the battle. On the Indian side, the Companies were commanded by experienced Officers and they had displayed great leadership qualities and four of our Officers had received the Military Honours/Gallantry Awards. In spite of short comings, the Pakistani men stood up for the challenge and had shown their willingness to fight with us. But, the second encounter was very decisive. Their Commanders recognized the futility of their resistance and made a good choice to withdraw and had very correctly decided to surrender to the Indian side collectively at one central location. India had kept its promise to treat them well and all of them were returned to Pakistan unharmed.   

I take pride in the fact that I had belonged to a professional Army which fought this battle without a trace of hatred and did not act with a sense of vengeance. We used our force with a sense of restraint, had given the enemy fair treatment, conducted ourselves with a due sense of decorum and dignity, followed the well-established conventions of war and I believe that we supported a just cause. Banga Bandhu Sheik Mujibur Rehman had declared Independence and had announced the creation of Bangladesh on March 25, 1971, several months before this armed conflict could take place. Pakistan’s Leader had a good opportunity to totally avoid this war. But, the men of Armed Forces did what they are expected to do. We followed the orders and acted in obedience to our Commanders and so it is but natural to have fallen heroes on both the sides of this fight.       

General Sujan Singh Uban of Special Frontier Force

General Sujan Singh Uban of Special Frontier Force – The Liberation War of Bangladesh.Did he speak about Fallen Heroes on Both Sides of this War?

 

THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG : THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH :   

Major General (Retd) Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force has authored this book and had narrated the military exploits of his Force while operating in the difficult terrain of Chittagong Hill Tracts during Indo-Pak War of 1971. Did he mention about the ‘Fallen Heroes’ of Pakistani Army? Would it not be in the true military tradition to give recognition to your enemy with whom you are engaged in Combat? I am making a special mention about these two Junior Commissioned Officers who being Pathans may have  belonged to Pakistan’s Frontier Force Regiment.Both of them had carried in their pockets personal letters that they had received from their wives. The wives did not ask them for any gifts or favors. They had only discussed the problem of rearing their children in the remote villages of Pakistan’s Frontier Region.The wives had specially mentioned about lack of fresh milk to feed the kids in the remote villages that they had lived. Both of them were aware of the families that they support. They had a very good chance to escape from their post that they were defending. They had allowed all other men at their post to save their lives. They knew that they had lost their  post and the just two of them could not  really stop us. At that point, they could have just saved their lives if not for their own sake, but for the sake of their wives and children whom they had loved. They had a sense of pride in their military service which they had valued more than their family relationships. They made a deliberate choice to remain inside their fortified bunker and displayed no inclination to surrender when the Battle was lost. We had no choice other than silencing their machine guns. This War would not be memorable if there was no display of Bravery by the Enemy.   

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

 Please view my related blog post titled ‘Indira Gandhi – A Flame that got Extinguished‘ 

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/indira-gandhi-a-flame-that-got-extinguished/

THE SPIRITS OF SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE:

The primary purpose of this military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts was that of providing combat training and to help the men of my Organization to gain useful combat experience to accomplish their military mission in the occupied Land of Tibet.

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

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

Ex – Service Number. MS-8466, Rank. LIEUTENANT/CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC.

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle (1971) Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO.

Related Posts :   

1.Sangram Medal 1971 – A Story that I shared with the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services – November 22, 2007   

2. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007   

3. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? January 28, 2008   

4. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009   

5. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts.   

6. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts.   

7. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts.    

8. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971  

9. The Art of Battlefield Medicine.   

THE LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH - The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.