Kilapara, May 25: This was the historic and momentous occasion at Kilapara, the place of sacrifice, cooperation and friendship between Indian and Bangladesh when Sh. Subhash Joshi, IPS, Director General, Border Security Force and Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed, Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh unveiled the newly renovated War Memorial on 25th May 2013.
BSF Meghalaya Ftr has taken an initiative to remember the BSF heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, 83 Bn BSF was deployed in the Garo Hills, Tura (Meghalaya) with one Coy of the Bn deployed at BOP Dalu with its outpost at Kilapara. Several thousand Bengli refugees along with high-ranking political dignitaries of East Pakistan were taking shelter in the Refugee camp at Dalu.
It was on 25th May 1971, the Pak Army had launched a full-fledged Battalion attack on the BOP Kilapara, and however it was repulsed twice by the BSF troops despite being very few in numbers. However, in the third attempt, while braving a large number of Pak Army troops, 9(nine) BSF personnel laid down their lives and made supreme sacrifice while defending the post. It was the sacrifice of the brave BSF troopers which denied the strategic control over the Dalu-Tura road to the enemy in liberation war of Bangladesh.
It was proud privilege for BSF that Sh B. S. Tyagi, Comdt (Retd) the then coy commander of BOP Dalu was present during the ceremony. It was his outstanding leadership, valour and devotion to duty which let the attackers fled from the Kilapara.
His courage and planning saved thousands of Bengali refugees from butchering by the Pak army. Besides Smt Kalita w/o Ct P. C. Kalita who had laid down his life at the Kilapara was also present. The presentation of memento and a sum of Rs 50,000/- to Smt Kalita w/o Late P. C. Kalita by the DG BSF made everyone giving her a standing ovation.
During the proceedings, the role and contribution of Mohd Ashifaq, who had deserted Pakistani Air force and joined Mukti Bahini in Mymensingh was also remembered. On the fateful day of 25th May, he was at Dalu post and at the time of attack he rushed along with the Mukti Bahini fighters towards Kilapara to fight the Pakistan forces and laid down his life in Pak firing before he could reach to Kilapara.
The Inauguration ceremony was started with the “Wreath laying” by DG BSF and DG BGB followed by the “Shok Shastra” which is a drill carried out for paying respect to the martyrs. Sh B D Sharma, Addl DG BSF welcomed the DG BSF, DG BGB and all the distinguished guests on the occasion and gave an overview of attack and role played by the BSF and Mukti Bahini. The DG BSF while addressing the gathering remembered the heroic action of the BSF martyrs. DG BSF called the War Memorial as “a constant reminder of the great sacrifices made by brave soldiers of Border Security Force during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.”
DG, BGB expressed his gratitude for inviting him to this auspicious occasion. He stated that BSF has a very important place in their hearts being instrumental in liberation war of Bangladesh. He wished that the bonding between the two border guarding forces would continue with the same spirit.
DC and SP West Garo Hills, Tribal Heads were also present on this occasion. Sh Sudesh Kumar, IG BSF, Meghalaya Frontier thanked the dignitaries for sparing their valuable time and gracing the occasion.(SP News)
