Arun Khetarpal, who was in ‘A’ Squadron and was stationed close by, responded promptly, along with the rest of his regiment and launched the attack on Pakistani army.Īlso read: Pakistan, China plan to destroy Indian Army through drugs The commander of the squadron urgently called for reinforcements.
On 16 December, Pakistani armour launched the first of their counter-attacks under the cover of a smokescreen at Jarpal, targeting the ‘B’ Squadron. At this critical juncture, the 17 Poona Horse decided to push through the minefield. The engineers had cleared the mines halfway when the Indian troops noticed alarming activity of the enemy armour asking for air support. During Indo-Pak war of 1971, the 17 Poona Horse was assigned to the command of the 47th Infantry Brigade, which was involved in the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh sector. He joined the National Defence Academy in June 1967. In fact, by the end of the war, India’s Black Arrow Brigrade had won 79 gallantry awards to become the most highly decorated formation of the Indian Army.Īrun Khetarpal was born on 14th October 1950 in Pune into a military family. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal belonged to the Poona Horse regiment, and his incredible courage can be ascertained from the fact that Pakistan lost a staggering 48 Patton tanks in the epic battle that took place in its own territory, completely wiping out its 8 independent Armoured Brigrade. The 21-year-old Khetarpal fought single-handedly and till his last breath, he had destroyed seven Pakistani tanks leading India to a glorious victory in the ‘Battle of Basantar’.
Indian Army officer and a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, Arun Khetarpal is the unsung hero who led India to a legendary victory.
0 kommentar(er)
