Know the importance of Battle of Longewala in Indian history (in pics)

New Delhi: Longewala, a region in Rajasthan situated nearly 6 kms inside the international border, is famous for the most crucial battle in the Indian history: the Indo Pakistan war of 1971.The post was under control of Border Security Force but tension started between India and Pakistan and the company battalion of Punjab Regiment of Indian Army took over when Pakistan launched pre-emptive air strikes on 11 Indian airbases on 3 December 1971. Let's explore the Battle of Longewala in pictures: 1. Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri immediately sent a patrol team towards the borderline, which heard noises of armored vehicles. This was confirmed by army's air observation aircraft. A 20 km long column of armoured vehicles of Pakistan was leading directly towards Longewala post. 2. Major Chandpuri immediately requested urgent reinforcement with artillery and armour support from his battalion Head Quarters. As it was not possible to reinforce the post immediately, the Head Quarter gave two options: Leave the post or hold it as much time as possible. The brave major choosed the second option. 3. Pakistani armored regiment reached Longewala post at midnight and started shelling it. In response, Indian infantry used their anti-tank guns. 4. The jeep mounted guns destroyed two Pakistani tanks. As Pakistani forces misinterpreted the compound wire as minefield, it stopped further advancement towards the post. 5. The biggest advantage of Indians was that they were at elevated position, as the post was located on a small hill. 6. Meanwhile, the nearest airbase Jaisalmer was informed. There were four Hunter Hawker aircraft at the base. Two of them immediately flew towards Longewala. 7. The pilots started to fire rockets at the tanks which were closest to the post. Both the pilots were successful in destroying or damaging some tanks, but had to return to the base to refuel. 8. The enemy got some relief for a while but saw another pair of Hunter Hawkers arriving, which started bombarding. These aircraft too destroyed and damaged some tanks. This continued for a long time. Four Hunter Hawkers and 6 fighter pilots took part in this mission and destroyed or damaged enemy tanks and many of the vehicles. 9. This continued for a long time. 4 Hunter Hawkers and 6 fighter pilots took part in this mission and destroyed or damaged enemy tanks and many of the vehicles. 10. Bollywood producer J P Dutta made the film Border, based on the Battle of Longewala. This film was a super hit, but it created controversy as the story was said to be manipulated.