By Aafaque Hussain
KILAPARA ( West Garo Hills border): A war memorial built to pay tribute to nine BSF soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Indo-Pak war at Kilapara outpost was unveiled by Director Generals of Border Security force and Border Guard Bangladesh at Kilapra border outpost here on Saturday.
Unveiling of the newly renovated war memorial holds historical significance as the Border Security Force (BSF) played a vital role in liberating Bangladesh from East Pakistan.
The war memorial was jointly unveiled by BSF Director General Subhash Joshi and BGB director general Major General Aziz Ahmed along the Indo-Bangla border at Kalipara.
Nine soldiers sacrificed their lives as Pakistan Army was approaching the outpost to take over its control during the war and finally launched a full-fledged battalion attack Kilapara outpost after two failed attempts.
The outpost lacked manpower as only nine BSF sleuths were deployed in the camp.
However, the BSF personnel did not back out and fought till their last breath and the sacrifice of BSF troopers denied strategic control over Dalu-Tura road to the enemy in the liberation war of Bangladesh.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, 83 Bn BSF was deployed in the Garo Hills, Tura with one Coy of the Bn deployed at BOP Dalu with its outpost at Kilapara. Several thousand Bengali refugees along with high-ranking political dignitaries of East Pakistan were taking shelter in the refugee camp at Dalu.
It was on May 25, 1971 that the Pak Army launched a full-fledged Battalion attack on the BOP Kilapara.
Speaking on the occasion, BGB Director General Major General Aziz Ahmed hoped that the friendly relations between two countries would continue in future.
“The present trend should continue,” he said while adding that the cooperation of BSF to Bangladesh in 1971 war was a shining example of friendship.
The Director General of BSF Subhash Joshi meanwhile recalled the sacrifices made by the BSF for the people of Bangladesh
The then company commander of Dalu BOP BS Tyagi whose outstanding chivalry let the attackers flee from Kilapara, was also honoured on the occasion.
It was Tyagi’s outstanding leadership, valour and devotion to duty which compelled the attackers to flee from Kilapara. His courage and planning saved thousands of Bengali refugees from being butchered by the Pak army. Besides, wife of BSF official P C Kalita who had laid down his life at the Kilapara was also present. She was presented with a memento and Rs 50,000. During the proceedings, the role and contribution of Mohd Ashifaq, who had deserted Pakistani Air force and joined Mukti Bahini in Mymensingh was also remembered. On the fateful day of May 25, he was at Dalu post and at the time of attack, he rushed along with the Mukti Bahini fighters towards Kilapara to fight the Pakistan forces and laid down his life before he could reach Kilapara. The Inauguration ceremony began with the wreath laying by DG BSF and DG BGB followed by the Shok Shastra which is a drill carried out for paying respect to the martyrs.
A demonstration was also presented by BSF sleuths recapturing the moments of the entire attack in the outpost. Residents and delegates from both the countries were also present during the historic moment.