From Bollywood Film 'Border' To PM Modi, 1971 Battle Of Longewala Remains Unforgettable; Know More About It

The 1971 Battle Of Longewala has gone down in history as one of the fiercest tank battles. Today PM Modi also remembered the heroes from the war. Here's more about it.

(File Photo/ ANI)

New Delhi: Keeping up the traditions started by him, this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Jaisalmer today to celebrate Diwali with the Army Jawans and Border Security Force (BSF) jawans.  During his address there PM Modi remembered the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle of Longewala. PM said," Noone has forgotten the valour of the soldiers in the battle of Longewala and the country salutes Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, the hero of the battle who showed Pakistan the strength of the army." Know more about the Battle of Longewala The historical battle was one of the first major combat between India and Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War 1971 at the border post of Longewala, in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. About 120 Indian soldiers were accompanied by 4 Hunter fighter aircraft defended against 2000-3000 Pakistani soldiers accompanied by 30-40 tanks. The Indian Army’s 23rd Battalion, Punjab Regiment which was commanded by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri at the time was left with the choice of either attempting to hold out until reinforced, or fleeing on foot from a Pakistani mechanised infantry force. On the night of December 4th, the first attack came when Pakistanis approached the post, effective fire by the 106mm M40 RCL gun laid waste to one tank and another was destroyed by a mine. This sudden attack was a surprise and prevented the Pakistanis from getting close to the post. The entire battle continued until December 7th when the Indian Air Force Hunter and Marut jets from the nearby airfield in Jaisalmer. Relentless attacks from the air saw the IAF have a field day, destroying 26 tanks and many more Armoured Personnel Carriers. For his decision and bravery, Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. 10 others from the company were awarded the Vir Chakra. Chandpuri who is also known as the hero of the Battle of Longewala  died earlier this year at the age of 78 due to cancer. The battle also became the subject of the 1997 Bollywood film Border, which was directed by J.P. Dutta. In the film Sunny Deol starred as Maj. Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and while Colonel Dharam Vir was played by actor Akshaye Khanna.