Battle of Hilli | |||||||
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Part of the Bangladeshi War of independence | |||||||
Major General Shah as acting GOC of 203rd Infantry Brigade of the Pakistan Army surrendering to the Indian forces |
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Belligerents | |||||||
India (3–18 December 1971) |
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Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Quazi Nuruzzaman Lachhman Singh |
Tajammul Hussain Malik (POW) | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
Sector 7 20th Indian Mountain Division |
205th Mountaineering Brigade | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
unknown unknown |
unknown |
India (3–18 December 1971)
The Battle of Hilli or the Battle of Bogra was a major battle fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and Bangladesh Liberation War. It is generally regarded as the most pitched battle that took place in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. The battle of Hilli took place between 23 November 1971 and 11 December 1971, although the final surrender took place on 18 December 1971.
The main objective of the Indian Army was to control Bogra, thereby cutting off Pakistan forces in the north from the rest of East Pakistan. The best way of getting to Bogra was through Hilli. The frontal assault on the Pakistan fortifications took a huge toll on both sides before Indian forces finally broke through by establishing a block in the rear of Pakistani forces in Hilli, upon which the 4FF Battalion in Hilli withdrew for the defence of Bogra.