New Delhi: Sunny Deol starrer ‘Border 2’ brings to life the bravery of Indian soldiers in the Battle of Basantar in 1971. Of these troops, Major Amarjit Singh Bal, who later became Brigadier, took command of ‘B’ Squadron of the Poona Horse and successfully secured the bridgehead on the Basantar River. He served with distinction in one of the fiercest tank battles of the war along with Second Lieutenant Khetrapal and Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh, who was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Bal started his career with the prestigious Poona Horse Regiment, a cavalry unit that had transitioned from horses to tanks over the centuries. The regiment is highly decorated and awarded throughout the Commonwealth, earning recognition from both India and Pakistan for its gallantry.
In 1971, Major Bal, then 31 years old and serving as a squadron commander, was tasked with capturing the Shakargarh Ridge in Pakistan to secure the road link between Jammu and Punjab. From December 4, his unit fought for 12 consecutive days. On 16 December the squadron faced a counter-attack by Pakistan’s 13th Lancers, who were equipped with advanced M48 Patton tanks.
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Major Bal led his seven tanks with precision and bravery. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they destroyed several enemy tanks while moving forward to support the bridgehead held by three Grenadiers units. He requested reinforcements, and three more tanks, including that of Second Lieutenant Khetrapal, joined him to consolidate the position.
After the ceasefire, the force recalled the encounter with a Pakistani officer who admitted, “We know you fought well.”
The officer had lost all four of his squadron commanders and could not locate their bodies. When he saw Khetrapal’s tank, he said in disbelief that no one could have given a better fight than it.
Khetrapal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Major Bal and Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh received the Mahavir Chakra. Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya was also a part of this battle, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
The intensity of the fighting is evident as two PVCs and two MVCs were awarded in recognition of bravery.
Brigadier Bal’s valor has its roots in the 1965 war, where as Captain Bal, he participated in the battles of Phillora, Chawinda and Buttur Dograndi. They operated under the 1st Armored Division to capture important positions in Pakistan’s Punjab and secure routes towards Pasrur.
He served in the same command tank, ‘Kushab’, as Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore, who was later killed when his tank came under heavy artillery fire. Child was seriously injured and hospitalized for more than nine months. His courage is a defining example of bravery.
His story inspires everyone to have courage and leadership in difficult moments.