In December 1971, during the wars between India and Pakistan over Bangladesh, a fierce competition raged on the western front across Punjab and Jammu. One of the most decisive engagements in this theatre was the Battle of Basantar, fought between December 4 and 16 in the Shakargarh bulge-an area that jutted into Indian territory between the Ravi and Chenab rivers. This salient was of particular importance: whoever held it might threaten key communication lines to Jammu, Pathankot, and Amritsar.

Opposite them was Pakistan's II Corps, consisting of two armoured divisions, which was supposed to slice off Indian positions east of the Basantar River and strike in the direction of Samba. Indian 54 Infantry Division, with 16 Independent Armoured Brigade under command, had the task of thwarting t

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