Jaipur: Longewala Day was celebrated on Wednesday by Longewala Brigade under the aegis of Battle Axe Division, to commemorate the decisive victory of India over Pakistan in the ‘Battle of Longewala’ during the 1971 war on December 5 at Longewala. On December 4, 1971 Pakistan launched a major attack in Rajasthan sector with an infantry brigade supported by a regiment of T-59 tanks and a squadron of M-4 Sherman tanks. The plan was to proceed towards Ramgarh and Jaisalmer, after capturing Longewala. Alpha Company of 23 Punjab Battalion commanded by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was deployed at Longewala.As per the plan, the Longewala post was attacked on the intervening night of December 4 and 5, 1971. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the enemy infantry and tanks, the gallant men of Alpha Company decided to hold their grounds and fight. At dawn of December 5, 1971, Hunter aircrafts of the Indian Air Force stationed at Jaisalmer led by Wing Commander MS Bawa carried out precision bombing and destroyed numerous Pakistani tanks.“This heroic act of 23 Punjab Regiment and Indian Air Force has no parallel in war history and has inspired generations and has also been converted into a Bollywood blockbuster movie Border,” said Col Sombit Ghosh, public relations officer, Defence, Rajasthan. To commemorate the victory, a wreath laying ceremony was held on Wednesday to pay homage to those who were part of the battle.

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