Indian gains in W. sector
JULLNDUR, DEC. 4- Indian air and ground forces all along the Western sector further strengthened their positions today, reports UNI.
The day’s most significant gains included the downing of two of Pakistan’s prestigious Mirages over Pathankot Airport. Chhamb-Jarian and Punjab sector and capture of the strategic Pakistani post of Ghasia On a hilltop in Tithwal sector.
The other Pakistan aircraft that were destroyed were: five B-57 bombers, two F-104 Star Fighters one F-86 Sabre fighter-bomber eight other air craft (Sabre or Mig 19).
Lt. Gen. K. P. Candeth GOC-in C of Western Command told newsmen that “we are much better placed now than when the enemy shamelessly struck preemptively last night, cashing on an element of surprise”.
Briefing about activity all along the western sector Gen. Candeth declared “all enemy attacks on our positions have been repulsed effectively.”
The Indian troops foiled the Pakistani Army to make a thrust into our territory in the Ganganagar sector (Rajasthan) this morning.
According to official sources the Pakistani troops made an attempt to enter the Indian territory at the Jalwala bead.
However, shelling by Indian forces forced the Pakistani column to withdraw and retreat behind the Siddiqui canal. It was stated No casualties were reported on the Indian side.
A second attack on the Jamnagar Airport was made by the Pakistani plane this evening, an official spokesman said at Ahmedabad tonight.
The enemy planes were intercepted by the air force and chased away.
Gen. Candeth said the enemy had used all kinds of its weapons from guns to heavy artillery and tanks in the encounters and had gained only further frustration.
Although the enemy initiated this gamble, our forces frustrated their game within 24 hours of unleashing hostilities , Gen. Candeth said.
Indian troops the General said had not crossed the international border at any point except where exigencies of the situation had so demanded like crossing a ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir.
For the first time in the current fighting Pakistan had used tanks today in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir sector but lost 12 most of them.
Shelling of areas including major cities of Poonch, Ferozepur and Fazilka was resorted to by the enemy, he added.
Gen. Candeth said another Pakistani picket named Kaman or Uri-Muzaffarabad highway was captured by Indian Jawans late last night after our positions on this the side of the cease-fire line had been subjected to shelling by recoilless guns and medium and light machine guns continuously.
Gen. Candeth gave following detailed summary of activity along western sector:
Air activity: Two Mirages downed over Pathankot airfield at 2 p.m. two Sabers destroyed one each over Ajnala. Turn to page 12 col. 2
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 05.12.1971