On this day in 1971, the 2 PARA battalion executed the Tangail Airborne Assault, capturing the strategic Poongli Bridge and effectively cutting off the Pakistani 93 Brigade retreating towards Dhaka. The operation stood among the most decisive missions of the Indian Armed Forces, significantly contributing to India’s victory in the 1971 war and paving the way for the liberation of Bangladesh.
The paratrooper drop created a vital pathway, enabling the Indian Army to rapidly advance and secure a victory at the gates of Dhaka.
This — one of the major missions which helped India win the war — was reenacted by the forces personnel.
The Indian Air Force relived the Tangail airdrop, Meghna River crossing, the attack on Government House at Dhaka, and other key missions of the 1971 India-Pakistan War by recreating them on Wednesday via an aerial display. Commemorating India’s victory in the 1971 war, the event was hosted at the IAF station Mohanbari in Assam.
"A flying display by Su-30 MKI, C-130, Dornier, An-32, Chinook, Mi-17, ALH and Cheetah aircraft recreated key missions of the 1971 war, which included the Tangail Airdrop, Meghna River Crossing, and the attack on Government House at Dhaka. The display highlighted the operational capability and mission readiness of the Indian Air Force," the defence ministry said.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, senior military and civilian dignitaries, veterans, and a large number of youth gathered to attend the event. Besides this, a seminar on 'Air Operations during the 1971 War' was also conducted on the occasion, where air veterans shared anecdotes and experiences from their participation in the war.
An exhibition titled 'Triumph from the Sky-71' showcased rare archival photographs from the period of war, and it also included a replica of the 'Swarnim Vijay Mashal', the ceremonial flame marking India's decisive victory, it said.
The event was a tribute to the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces.
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