Shillong, May 20: The War Memorial at BOP Kilapara, Dalu(West Garo Hills) marks the important battle fought on the Eastern front during 1971 Indo-Pak War. BOP Kilapara – Dalu was being guarded by the BSF and it was the valiant action on part of the BSF brave Jawans who denied the Pak troops, the strategic control over the Dalu-Tura road.
The 83 Bn BSF was deployed in West Garo Hills during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. One Coy of the Bn was deployed at BOP Dalu with its outpost at Kilapara. Several thousand refugees along with high ranking political dignitaries were also taking sheltered in the Refugee camps at Dalu. On 24th May 1971 at about 1600 hrs, Pak Army started intermittent firing and shelling on Kilapara out post and Dalu area and continued up to 1800 hrs.
In between firing and shelling, movements were also noticed along the IB. The post Comdr of Kilapara out post Hav Man Bahadur Rai reported the matter to its Coy HQ Dalu. Due to sudden firing by Pak Army, most of the inhabitant of Kilapara left their houses and moved towards Chaipani for safe shelter.
Later on, it was learnt that some elements of Pak Army in disguise of refugee had crossed the International border and reached refugee camp. On 25th May 1971, heavy rains started from 0300 hrs. Taking advantage of the heavy rains, 02 Coys of Pak Army crossed the IB and launched the attack on Kilapara out-post. However, the BSF troops at Kilapara post fought bravely and enemy attack was repulsed.
The enemy again regrouped and attacked the Kilapara out post for the third time and while defending the Kilapara out post against large number of enemies, 9 BSF personnel made supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives.
Besides, two BSF personnel along with one civilian namely Jyotish Shah of village Kilapara were taken as POW. The BSF Jawans fought valiantly and repulsed two enemy attacks despite numerical inferiority. The valour denied the enemy of strategic control over Dalu – Tura road and facilitated Liberation of Bangladesh. The BSF men fount till “last men last bullet”. Subsequently, all the BSF personnel were awarded President’s Police Medal for fire Service for Gallantry posthumously.
In the honour and memory of the BSF Martyrs, a War memorial was constructed at the BOP Kilapara. However consequent upon the passage of time the condition of the War Memorial had substantially deteriorated. It was on the initiative of IG Meghalaya Ftr the War Memorial has been renovated.(SP News)
