Date:11/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121158320200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Rewinding to the heroics of 1971

Special Correspondent

Battalion to celebrate victory in the war that led to the formation of Bangladesh.

Thiruvananthapuram: The 16th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, formerly known as the 2nd Travancore Nair Infantry, is preparing to celebrate one of the most glorious episodes in its history.

The unit stationed at Pangode will observe Battle Honour Day from December 16 to 18 to commemorate the victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the formation of Bangladesh.

The 2nd Travancore Nair Infantry was raised on January 28, 1819 by Lt. Henry Daly through voluntary enlistment of men of the Nair caste. During the Second World War, the unit was tasked with guarding the Italian and German prisoners of war at Bhopal. In February 1942, the battalion was moved to Visakhapatnam for coastal duties. The unit then embarked for the Middle East and was stationed at Basra, Iraq where it won laurels for its performance.

Post- Independence, the battalion was re-integrated with the Indian Army in April 1951 and re-designated as the 16th Battalion of the Madras Regiment (Travancore). In June 1958, the unit took part in `Operation Prag’ against East Pakistan in Cachar area and gave a good account of itself by bagging one Ashok Chakra, two Sena medals and three commendation cards.

During the Chinese aggression, the battalion was airlifted from Madras to Bagdogra (Siliguri) and then moved to Sikkim. In 1965, during Operation Riddle, it was the first battalion to get across and establish a bridgehead across River Ichhamati on the West Bengal-East Pakistan border.

The year 1971 represents the most significant period in the history of the battalion. That year, it took part in an offensive in Sialkot district of West Pakistan and spearheaded an assault across the Basantar river, striking a crippling blow to the enemy forces. For this action, the battalion was conferred battle honour ‘Basantar’ and theatre honour ‘Punjab 71’. It won two Mahavir Chakras, five Vir Chakras and four Sena medals for its role in the hard- fought battle.

The unit has also participated in several key missions including Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir. The Battle Honour Day celebrations include a memorial service, family welfare meet, Sainik Sammelan and barakhana. Serving and retired officers along with their families are expected to participate in the three-day event.