Article

Chumik Operation

Published

3 years ago

July 1, 2021

Editor

Chumik Operation

Introduction

The Siachen dispute was added to the roster of major issues in Indo-Pakistan relations for the first time in April 1984. During the month, Indian Army airlifted mountain trained forces into position over-looking key passes in the Baltoro Range , a spur of the Karakoram Mountains , flanking the Siachen Glacier’s southern rim, setting in motion a spectacular high-altitude military struggle with Pakistan that has continued unabated to the present day. Confronting one another in some areas at altitude over 6000 metres, the two armies contested for possession of a largely uninhabited wedge-shaped piece of territory, about 2500 square kilometers in size, situated just south of the Chinese border. The struggle is on till today and a number of operations have been executed by both sides for occupation or retention of key areas / posts.

Background

Chumik is a minor sub sector of Bilafond Sub Sector, which has remained quiet since 1984 with the exception of Chumik Operation in 1989. Forwarded posts of the sub sector overlook Gyong Glacier and also dominate by observation, enemies Baniya Base. A Pakistani post was established in the Location of present Sher Post in 1985. The post was later withdrawn suffering heavy losses due to avalanches and enemy artillery fire the same year. The post was re-established in 1988 by 9 Northern Light Infantry on the order of Commander Force Command Northern Area. In the early spring of 1989, there were signal intercepts indicating enemy activity in the area. On 22 February 89 , enemy helicopter’s conducted reconnaissance of the area followed by inaccurate artillery fire. Reconnaissance was conducted by Helicopter and it revealed that enemy had established five new posts/bases. Enemy had also occupied off shoots of point 22158 (the highest peak in the area which came to be known as Naveed Top after this operation). This gave enemy, the vital observation over our entire sub sector which could create serious problems in holding and maintenance of own posts. Enemy started engaging our forwarded posts, Ashgar Base and escalated the situation in the sub sector , forcing us to react.

Conduct of operation

Relative strength and deployment in the area is as under:

Enemy

Enemy had intruded into Chumik area and occupied the area. Enemy’s one complete battalion supported by different calibers of artillery and complete flight of Lama Helicopter took part in the operation. She established the following posts/bases which were supported through administrative bases of Bniya and Rani:

GANGA One platoon
SADHU One platoon (minus)
AGRA -I One Section
AGRA-II One Section with an artillery observer
MG Position One Section with heavy Machine Gun
Support Troops One Company in support role (for back up support)

Own

A company of regular troops was detailed to relieve Northern Light Infantry troops in the Chumik Sector on 10 April 1989 . The force was further strengthened later, which was necessary for the final eviction of the enemy from the Sector. Activities in this sector had intensified considerably and constant vigil was kept on the enemy activities. Risk of weakening of our forces in this area could therefore not be taken. Guns and mortars of available artillery in the area supported the operation. One company of Northern Light Infantry on relief from the sector was provided for assistance. Ten men of Special Services Group were provided for technical assistance and expertise. Four Lama Helicopters of Arms Aviation were provided to support the operation.

The Initial Plan

Company minus ex 9 Azad Kashmir was holding Chumik sub sector which was subsequently augmented by another company for offensive role. Helicopters were also provided for the operation, along with Special Services Group troops and additional 81 millimeter Mortars. It was planned to occupy the area to check the further movement of enemy. The out line plan was as follows:

Mission

To occupy the area by engaging enemy Ganga Base with observed artillery fire to interdict her Line of Communication.

Execution

Phase-I Establish Kausar Base.
Phase-II Establish Kausar 1, Kausar 2 and Kausar 3 Bases.
Phase-III . Occupy the area.

First Attempt

Aerial reconnaissance of the area was carried out on 16 April 1989 . The expedition was sent out in establishing Kausar Base by mid night the same day. Kausar 1 was established on 17 April at a height of 17000 feet and in the same evening Kausar 2 was also established. It was found that movement thereafter was not possible due to extreme difficult nature of terrain. The expedition was immediately called off to avoid detection by the enemy.

Second Attempt

Force Commander Northern Area decided to drop Special Services Group persons on Saddle by helicopter. Effort was made to drop the persons but helicopter could not hover at such a low level where persons could jump basically because of poor weather and configuration of ground. The mission was once again aborted.

Modified Plan

After failure of two missions, the plan was modified as under:

Persons ex 9 Azad Kashmir and Special Service Group) to be sling – dropped at the base with the aim of occupying the area, facilitating ultimate eviction of enemy.
Two platoon size expeditions to make efforts for link up from two directions (One platoon each from 9 Azad Kashmir and 6 Northern Light Infantry).

Execution of Plan

On 19 April 89 , the first helicopter took off. Lieutenant Naveed, a volunteer officer ex 9 Azad Kashmir was sling drooped at the Saddle. Captain Seghal and Captain Zia(got shahdat as Lt colonel on a UN mission), the pilots of helicopter also did a wonderful job and were able to release the slung officer at a flat place on the base (Naveed Base). Subsequently Naik Yaqoob, Special Services Group was also dropped to join Lieutenant Naveed. Some stores were also dropped in next sorties. But soon weather deteriorated making further drops impossible. It was 21 April when weather cleared and more persons were dropped. Then it was race between Indians and us to reach the top. Our troops made it to the top (Kamran Top) earlier than the enemy thus gaining the victory at a highest point in the world where battle has ever been fought. Eight Indian soldiers were discovered only 300 – 400 meters from Kamran Top who were forced to withdraw under own fire.

6 Northern Light Expedition

The expedition having left on 18 April was close to saddle on 25 April. Three officers with one Jawan were buried alive under tons of snow. This marked the end of expedition.

9 Azad Kashmir Expedition

The expedition under Captain Tariq took a good start on 22 April 89 . Its fire raided enemy’s Agra I forcing her to vacate the base. Then proceeded to close with Agra II but could not succeed due to difficult terrain. The post was however engaged with artillery fire.

The First Blow

Enemy’s intention of dominating Chumik Glacier began to fail when “Ganga Base” also known as “Thappa Base” was effectively engaged by artillery. The enemy was forced to shift the base. Destruction of Ganga Base probably forced enemy to give a second thought to her plans.

The Raid

On 30 April 1989 , a raiding party consisting of 11 persons including 4 officers was organized by Major Abdul Rehman Bilal. The party closed in with enemy machine gun position at approximately 1900 hours. The fire was opened which caught enemy by surprise. However, enemy soon retaliated with small arms and rocket fire. Own troops were relatively safe since Kamran Post was protected by a boulder. The raiding party in the meantime inflicted heavy damages to the enemy. This final blow forced enemy to withdraw asking for a meeting where almost all of our terms were accepted. The area was vacated and declared as de-militarized zone.

Source:- https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/chumik-operation.php

Article

53 Years Since the Fall of Dhaka: A Dark Chapter in Pakistan’s History

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

EDITOR

Today marks 53 years since the tragic fall of Dhaka on December 16, 1971 — a day etched in history as a time of great sorrow when East Pakistan separated to become Bangladesh. This somber event is remembered as one of the most significant and painful moments in Pakistan’s journey, a day of reflection on the consequences of division and lost unity.

The events of December 16, 1971, were not merely the outcome of the Pakistan-India war but a culmination of years of political discontent, mismanagement, and external conspiracies. Adversaries capitalized on Pakistan’s internal challenges, driving a wedge between East and West Pakistan, ultimately resulting in the disintegration of the nation.

Underlying Causes of Division

The separation of East Pakistan was rooted in a complex web of political and social inequalities, compounded by the lack of foresight and an unwillingness to compromise among key leaders. The rigid struggle for power further deepened the cracks between the two wings of Pakistan, laying the groundwork for a tragic separation.

The 1970 general elections revealed deep political divisions when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League secured a sweeping majority. However, the transfer of power to the Awami League, which held democratic legitimacy, was stalled. This deadlock fueled resentment in East Pakistan, providing India with the perfect opportunity to exploit the political instability.

India’s Role in the Separation

India actively fanned the flames of division through “Operation Jackpot,” an orchestrated effort to support insurgents in East Pakistan. The Indian army collaborated with the Mukti Bahini, a militant group, to destabilize the region. This coordination resulted in widespread bloodshed, as streets in East Pakistan were consumed by violence and chaos.

Despite being embroiled in a domestic crisis, Pakistan looked to its allies for support. The arrival of the U.S. Sixth Fleet was anticipated as a lifeline, but help never came. The silence of friendly nations during this critical time left Pakistan isolated in its struggle to preserve its unity.

The Birth of Bangladesh

As the conflict unfolded, Pakistan’s options dwindled. On December 16, 1971, East Pakistan officially separated to become Bangladesh, marking a heartbreaking moment in Pakistan’s history. The day was a stark reminder of the cost of internal divisions and the impact of external interference.

Lessons from the Past

The Fall of Dhaka is more than just a historical event; it is a lesson for future generations about the importance of unity, inclusive governance, and addressing grievances before they escalate into crises. It also underscores the need for vigilance against external conspiracies that seek to exploit internal vulnerabilities.

Today, as the nation reflects on the events of December 16, 1971, it is a time for Pakistan to learn from its past and renew its commitment to national unity, equity, and justice. Only by addressing these core issues can Pakistan move forward as a stronger and more cohesive nation.

Article

“AIK QAUM” DECLARATION OF CONCEPTION

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2024

EDITOR

Our Initiative

The fabric of the Pakistani nation has something unique in its knit, something signature and so sanguine that could keep on energizing its very fibers irrespective of the floods of considerably tough challenges posed against it since its inception. There is also a belief that Pakistan has been blessed with such a golden glitter that couldn’t be ignored by any sensible system of reason and knowledge among the league of free, upright and kind nations. The credit goes to the amazing people of Pakistan. It is more exciting to find that the people of Pakistan, be it the businessmen, doctors, parents, soldiers, students, teachers, judges, labourers or lawyers etc, have assumed the duty bestowed upon them by the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah decades ago. Quaid once said “If you will work in cooperation, forgetting the past, burying the hatchet, you are bound to succeed.” At another occasion, Quaid summed this message up in just three words: Unity, Faith and Discipline. AIKQAUM.COM is an initiative built upon the idea of translating this vision of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah into a fruitful action.
There is no power on earth that could restrict us from finding those beautiful commonalities among the people of this beautiful nation. It contends to promote the psyche morale of the Pakistani nation by addressing the issues instead of dodging them. We have a team of thorough professionals fully equipped to create unique platforms, forums and projects which will bring people closer on all sensitive issues related to our national identity and progress. We also have a strong support network for successful execution of all our campaigns in order to induce greater cohesion and the spirit of coexistence across the length and breadth of Pakistan. Coincidentally, we are living through an age of increased morphing of warfare in a world that’s once again moving from unipolar to a multipolar turf. The social, political, economic and technological factors shaping the evolution of warfare are being constantly experimented and employed in our own region. In a time of increased friction between regional powers and a heightened threat on the eastern border, Pakistan faces multiple challenges posed at its internal, external and economic security.
All these factors, blended with our archrival’s constant image building campaigns, a heavily funded lobbying in the West, the new Indo-US strategic alliance, as well as India’s ambition to start a space race, puts our nation on caution and throws immense burden of responsibility on our shoulders. We are witnessing a rise of sub conventional warfare fought with guns and bombs, but won on keyboards and drawing boards. AIKQAUM.COM aspires to be a strong force of defense against the subversive forces that are trying to malign Pakistan and hurt our interests in the region. We are fully trained and equipped to meet the challenges on the social and digital front.
www.aikqaum.com, info@aikqaum.com

Our Philosophy

VISION:

To create a social awareness about the values which join our nation together while countering anti-Pakistan narratives with logical and practical rationale.

MISSION:

To infuse a sense urgency for cohesion among all ethnic, political and religious schools of thought.

VALUES:

We keep integrity closest to our heart and patriotism on top of our mind. Our work ethics and commitment to our people shall empower us to achieve success in all our pursuits.

Article

Hiran Minar: A Timeless Mughal Architectural Marvel

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

EDITOR

symbol of Mughal architecture and artistic legacy. This historical structure, built in the early 17th century, is not only a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire but also a unique expression of their love for animals, nature, and sophisticated design.

Historical Significance

Hiran Minar was constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605–1627) to honor his beloved antelope named Mansraj, a rare gesture of devotion. The minar, or tower, is believed to have been erected at the site where Mansraj once roamed, reflecting the emperor’s compassion and affection for animals. This architectural masterpiece served as a hunting retreat and leisure spot for the royal family.

Architectural Features

Hiran Minar is an exemplary blend of function and aesthetics. It comprises the following key features:

The Tower: The centerpiece of the site, the tower stands 100 feet tall, decorated with intricate stone carvings. Circular in shape, it symbolizes the emperor’s tribute to his cherished pet.
The Water Tank: Surrounding the tower is a large rectangular water tank, approximately 750 feet long and 890 feet wide. This massive reservoir not only added to the scenic beauty of the site but also served as a water source for animals and birds in the area.
The Causeway and Pavilion: A stone causeway connects the tower to a beautifully designed baradari (pavilion) in the middle of the water tank. This pavilion, supported by pillars, served as a royal resting area and added an ethereal charm to the site.
Hunting Grounds: The area around Hiran Minar was developed as a royal hunting park or game reserve, known as Shikargah, highlighting the Mughals’ love for nature and wildlife.

Cultural and Tourist Importance

Today, Hiran Minar attracts history enthusiasts, architects, and tourists from across the world. It is recognized as one of the finest examples of Mughal engineering, blending utility with artistic grandeur. Visitors are drawn to its serene ambiance, the reflection of the tower in the water, and the lush green surroundings that offer a glimpse into the past.

UNESCO World Heritage Potential

Hiran Minar is on Pakistan’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its unique historical narrative, architectural design, and ecological significance make it a strong contender for international recognition. Preservation efforts are ongoing to maintain its structural integrity and historical charm.

A Legacy of Compassion and Grandeur

Hiran Minar is more than a historical structure; it is a symbol of the Mughal emperor’s love for nature and animals, combined with their architectural ingenuity. For Pakistan, it remains a priceless cultural treasure, linking the present with its rich past.

Whether you’re a history lover or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Hiran Minar offers a journey back in time, reminding us of an era when nature, art, and humanity thrived in harmony.