New Pak thrust stalled in Chhamb sector
NEW DELHI. DEC.8 Pakistan today threw in one more fresh brigade and further armour in the Chhamb sector but the Indian Jawans successfully stalled a breakthrough the enemy was hoping for.
The fighting was severe from about 2-40 a.m. and by this afternoon, the enemy had a massive casualty, according to an official spokesman here this evening Indian easualty was moderate.
Though the Pakistani Army failed to dislodge the Indian troops from their positions, some of them infiltrated into our areas, east off the rivulet, Munnawar Tawi. In groups they sought to occupy some of our posts but all of them except a small band, had been ejected by our jawans.
The Pakistani unit occupied a particular Indian post during the day. Our side fought back and wrested it from enemy hands, but the Pakistani unit regained control over the post.
Indian troops held the ground otherwise all through, despite the pressure of about 40,000 men and an armour numbering perhaps more than 200.
In today’s fighting the Indian Air Force gave the Army close support and knocked out nine of the Pak tanks. The ground forces also destroyed tanks.
It may be recalled that in 1965 conflict, Pakistan had attacked in great strength this very point with support of armour and aircraft. It even had mad a dent in Indian defence, but paid heavily later because of Pakistan’s inadequate preparations.
This time also the Pakistani Army enjoys good air support and an sound armour shield.
The fury of he battle abated today by the afternoon. But an official spokesman would not rule out the possibility of yet another attack tonight. The spokesman would not commit if the Indian thrust in Samba was meant to open the Sialkot sector, as it had happened in 1965. “We would not allow ourselves to be caught un-prepared like the Pakistanis in 1965 in the Chhamb Jauria sector.” he said.
PTI adds from Jullunur : Indian forces have penetrated over nine kms beyond the cease-fire line all along the border between Sambha and Madhupur in Jammu sector to ensure the safety of their own line of communications.
In Partappur sector, north of Ladakh, Indian troops have captured two enemy posts.
Briefing pressmen, a Western command spokesman said Indian Jawans in Kargil have made further gains capturing more enemy posts.
An enemy attack last night near Mendhar in Poonch sector was repulsed with heavy losses to the Pakistan Army.
In Jammu sector, one Pakistani aircraft with a light machine gun was downed and its pilot captured.
Indian troops also captured five Pakistani villages across the Banaskantha border this morning.
In the Jaisalmer sector, after suffering a crippling blow in the tank battle at Longewalla, the enemy is pulling back and “action is in hand to destroy the remnants.”
Indian troops have also captured the Pakistani posts of Salamsar and Ruknawala in the Bikaner sector.
In this area Indian troops have continued their advance from Gandhra and Khokhrapar and are now in contact with the enemy positions in Nayaehor which is 51.2 kms. across the border.
Indian troops have also captured Saidu 24 kms north of Mankau.
Meanwhile some 2,000 sq. kms. of Pakistan territory is in Indian hands in Barmer sector according to a military spokesman at Jodhpur.
UNI adds: Two more Pakistani postsone south of Url sector and another west of Gulmarg were captured today by Indian forces according to officials sources.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 9.12.1971