A sample of demoratisation in West Pakistan
SOMEWHERE ON THE WESTERN BORDER, NOV 13Brig, Shamim, Commander of the Pakistani, 105 Independent Brigade, suffered mental derangement three days after he had heard the news to killing of two of his sons by Mukti Bahini guerillas recently and was admitted to a mental asylum in Lahore early this week, according to report from across the Fazilka border, says PTI.
One of Brig Shamim’s sons was Major in the Army and the other was in civil administration
An informed source said that the 105 Independent Brigade was deployed by Pakistan on the southernmost point of the Fazilka-Lahore border. Brig. Shamim has been replaced by Brig. Amir Hamza.
This is a typical example of the general demoralization among officers and rank of the Pakistani Army deployed on the western border, following daily reports of heavy loss of lives of their friends and relatives at the hands of the Mukti Bahini in Bangladesh.
A feeling is started to be growing among the Pakistani forces about the futility of holding Bangladesh in bondage any more.
The heaviest concentration of Pakistani troops is reported to be in Fazilka and Sulemanki Sectors. Fazilka border is about 65 kms long, partly riverine area and partly sandy stretch. Pakistan has moved its troops near Jalalabad village, six kms from the Ferozwpore Fazilka Road.
Pakistan has heavily mined this area. There are reports of loss many Pakistani levies resulting from the accidental exploding of some mines on their side of the border.
Villages such as Shahswan, Amroha and Jharvwala, situated between Sadiqia canal and the border, have been evacuated by the Pakistani Army and the entire area is deserted.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 14.11.1971