Pindi used all its might on western front: Candeth
JULLUNDUR, JAN. 11–Pakistan had pressed in its entire available army in the Western Front, barring one division kept in reserve, according to Lt. Gen. K. P. Candeth, GOC-in-C Western Command, says UNI.
Replying to a civic address accorded to him and several other high ranking officers of the Army and Air Force at a colouful function here today. Gen. Candeth described the war on the western front as one of the “most serious fighting“ in which the enemy had staked everything.
Pakistan, he said, had planned to grab great chunks of territory all along the western front in order to enhance its bargaining strength against losses on the east.
Amidst thunderous applause from the crowed assembled in the Nehru Gardens. Gen. Candeth said, “Not only enemy plans were smashed and watered away, but also large expanses of its territory were captured by our brave jawans on the western front, leading to the fall of its government and unprecedented shame.”
Gen. Candeth said that although cease-fire had been effected and come to stay as such. “It is very difficult to predict the Pakistani mind.” It was in this contest that continuous vigil was being kept all along the border.
Praising the civilian population of Punjab for its cooperation and assistance, Gen. Candeth said that the entire armed forces were grateful to them.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion to acknowledge the people’s greetings, Air commodore Randhir Singh, Air Officer Commanding, Adampur near here pledged to keep the sky free from any intruder.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 12.1.1972