Battle of Kaiser-e-Hind Fortress

The battle

On 3 December 1971, a unit of 41st Baloch under the command of Lt. Colonel Habib Ahmed launched an attack to capture the Qaiser-i-Hind fortress and the perimeter in the Hussainiwala sector. The unit of 41st Baloch was supported by 45 Field Regiment commanded by Lt. Colonel Asif under the control of Major General Akhtar Abdur Rahman. The fierce battle involved usage of heavy artillery and tanks by both sides. After initial resistance faced by Pakistani troops, Gunners of 45 Field Regiment Artillery from Pakistan side wreaked havoc on the citadel through direct shootings by bringing the guns forward. The Indian Air Force was also used to attack the advancing Pakistani troops. However, due to resolve of Pakistani forces, by the night of 4 December 1971, the Indian troops eventually withdrew from the area. Qaiser-i-Hind citadel and Hussainiwala remained under the control Pakistani troops throughout the war. Following the end of 1971 war, the occupied territory was returned to India.