Battle of Basantar, 1971

Why in News?

Titled Ikkis (Twenty‑one), the film hit theatres on New Year’s Day and traces the valiant journey of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who laid down his life in the 1971 India‑Pakistan war.

• Battle of Basantar – It was fought on the Western Front of India during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
• Location – Shakargarh Buldge, a strategic area in the Punjab & Jammu Sector, with road links important for both India and Pakistan.

The Basantar River is a tributary of the Ravi, flowing through Shakargarh in North Punjab.

• It is considered to be one of the Fiercest Tank battles ever fought between two countries.
• The Minefield Challenge - The 9th Engineer Regiment (known as the "Thambi Regiment") performed a legendary feat by manually and trawl-clearing deep minefields (over 1,400 metres) under heavy fire to allow Indian tanks to advance.
• It was a decisive Indian victory that secured the vital Pathankot–Jammu axis, preventing Pakistan from cutting off Jammu and Kashmir from the rest of India.
• Heroes and Honours - The battle is renowned for extraordinary acts of gallantry, resulting in two Param Vir Chakras (PVC), India's highest military decoration.
  • 2^nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal (Posthumous).
  • Major Hoshiar Singh.

Quick Fact

References

1. Indian Express | Ikkis: Real-life story of Arun Khetarpal
2. Aviation Defence Universe | Battle of Basantar 1971 War