The 1971 India-Pakistan War was marked by two significant military operations: the Tangail paradrop and the Meghna heli-lift. These strategic maneuvers were crucial in facilitating the Indian Army's rapid advance toward Dhaka, culminating in Pakistan's surrender and the liberation of Bangladesh. Both operations exemplified India’s tactical superiority, meticulous planning, and adaptability in challenging combat conditions.
The Tangail paradrop took place on 11 December 1971, executed by the Indian Army’s 2nd Parachute Battalion. This large-scale airborne operation involved dropping paratroopers near Tangail, approximately 100 km northwest of Dhaka. The objective was to cut off retreating Pakistani troops while severing their vital supply and communication lines.
The significance of the Tangail drop lay in its ability to isolate Pakistani forces in northern Bangladesh. By preventing reinforcements from reaching Dhaka, this operation disrupted enemy retreat plans and hastened the collapse of Pakistani resistance.
In terms of scale, the Tangail drop was one of the largest airborne operations conducted since World War II. It involved hundreds of paratroopers, along with equipment and support troops, dropped deep within enemy territory.
Running from 9 to 10 December 1971, the Meghna heli-lift involved transporting Indian Army troops by helicopter across the Meghna River. This operation was essential to bypass destroyed bridges and heavily fortified enemy defenses. It was executed by IV Corps, with significant support from Indian Air Force helicopters.
The destruction of bridges by Pakistani forces had hindered the Indian Army’s advance. The heli-lift allowed troops to circumvent this obstacle, ensuring the momentum of their offensive toward Dhaka was maintained.
The Tangail drop and Meghna heli-lift were pivotal in accelerating the Indian Army’s advance, effectively encircling Dhaka from multiple directions. These operations demoralized Pakistani forces and contributed to their eventual surrender on 16 December 1971.
Approximately 600 to 800 Indian soldiers were successfully airlifted across the Meghna River using Mi-4 helicopters. This remarkable achievement was especially notable given the war's scale and complexity.
Both operations enabled Indian forces to converge quickly on Dhaka, overwhelming Pakistani defenses and cutting off escape routes. This rapid maneuvering ensured the fall of Dhaka with minimal casualties for the Indian Army.
The success of the Tangail drop and Meghna heli-lift played a decisive role in concluding the war swiftly. Surrounded and outmaneuvered, Pakistani forces surrendered on 16 December 1971, leading to the establishment of Bangladesh.
Q1. What was the Tangail paradrop operation?
Answer: The Tangail drop was a significant airborne operation by the Indian Army on 11 December 1971, aimed at isolating Pakistani forces in Bangladesh and disrupting their retreat.
Q2. Why was the Tangail paradrop significant?
Answer: It was crucial in preventing reinforcements for Pakistani troops, thereby hastening their collapse and facilitating Indian advances toward Dhaka.
Q3. What was the Meghna heli-lift operation?
Answer: Executed between 9-10 December 1971, it involved helicopter transportation of Indian troops across the Meghna River, bypassing enemy defenses.
Q4. How many troops were airlifted during the Meghna operation?
Answer: Approximately 600-800 Indian soldiers were airlifted using Mi-4 helicopters, showcasing successful military logistics under challenging conditions.
Q5. What was the outcome of these operations?
Answer: The Tangail drop and Meghna heli-lift significantly contributed to the Indian Army's swift advance, leading to the surrender of Pakistani forces and the liberation of Bangladesh.
Question 1: What was the primary objective of the Tangail paradrop?
A) To reinforce Pakistani troops
B) To isolate Pakistani forces in northern Bangladesh
C) To destroy bridges over the Meghna River
D) To conduct aerial reconnaissance
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who led the Meghna heli-lift operation?
A) Brigadier Sant Singh
B) Lieutenant General Sagat Singh
C) Major General Shankar Roy Chowdhury
D) General Sam Manekshaw
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: When did the Tangail paradrop occur?
A) 10 December 1971
B) 12 December 1971
C) 11 December 1971
D) 9 December 1971
Correct Answer: C
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