Source: BS
Context: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has amassed troops, tanks, and artillery near the Shakargarh Bulge, triggering heightened military alertness along the western front.
About Shakargarh Bulge:
- What It Is? The Shakargarh Bulge is a protruding landmass in Pakistan’s Sialkot district, bordered by the Ravi and Chenab Rivers.
- Geographical Importance: This flat terrain with access to road and rail corridors offers strategic depth for offensive manoeuvres.
- Why It Mattered?
- For India: Protecting the Jammu–Pathankot axis was vital to maintain land connectivity with Jammu & Kashmir.
- For Pakistan: Capturing it could have cut off Indian forces from the Kashmir region, giving it leverages on the western front.
- Key Point: The region became the site of one of the largest post-WWII tank battles.
About Battle of Basantar:
- Year & Duration: Fought from December 4 to 16, 1971 during the Indo-Pak war.
- Involved Nations: India and Pakistan.
- Location: Around Basantar River, in the Shakargarh Bulge.
- Objective: Pre-empt a Pakistani offensive and protect Indian supply lines in the north.
- Features of the Battle:
- Major Units: 54 Infantry Division, 16 Independent Armoured Brigade, and 75 Medium Regiment.
- Indian tanks (Centurions and AMX-13) destroyed over 60 Pakistani Pattons.
- India used night operations, diversionary tactics, and air-land coordination.
- Boosted India’s negotiation leverage in the Shimla Conference
- Prevented Pakistani strategic thrust into Jammu and Kashmir
