Misplaced Pages

#744255

79-572: The regiment was raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong by Lt. Col. Ross Howman to meet the claim of the then undivided state of Assam for its own fighting unit and to counter the threat of the Japanese invasion of India. The area of Elephant Falls in Shillong was chosen to raise the first battalion and it was there, under British instructors, that the first troops were trained. The initial draft of

158-2626: A British military base, it was taken over by No. 58 Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army post Independence in 1947. The Regiment was redeployed after the Sino-Indian War of 1962, making way for the IAF to step in. Only helicopters can operate from HQ, EAC, using a 12.7 hectare (31.3 acre) helipad. EAC controls air operations in the eastern sector which include West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram and the other eastern states bordering Bangladesh, Burma, and Tibet. EAC comprises permanent airbases at Chabua, Gauhati, Bagdogra, Barrackpore, Hashimara, Jorhat, Kalaikunda and Tezpur with forward airbases at Agartala, Culcutta, Panagarh and Shillong. Historic neighbourhoods of Shillong include Mawkhar, Jaiaw, Riatsamthiah, Umsohsun, Wahingdoh, Khyndailad (Police Bazar), Mawlai, Laitumkhrah, Laban, Malki, Nongthymmai and Polo. Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Eastern Front: Western Front: [REDACTED] Indira Gandhi [REDACTED] Swaran Singh [REDACTED] Sam Manekshaw [REDACTED] J.S. Arora [REDACTED] G.G. Bewoor [REDACTED] Sagat Singh [REDACTED] J. F. R. Jacob [REDACTED] S. M. Nanda [REDACTED] S. N. Kohli [REDACTED] Nilakanta Krishnan [REDACTED] Pratap C. Lal [REDACTED] H. C. Dewan [REDACTED] Sheikh Mujibur Rahman [REDACTED] M. A. G. Osmani [REDACTED] Yahya Khan [REDACTED] A.A.K. Niazi   [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Rao Farman [REDACTED] Tikka Khan [REDACTED] Iftikhar Janjua   † [REDACTED] Muzaffar Hassan [REDACTED] Rashid Ahmed [REDACTED] Md Shariff   [REDACTED] [REDACTED] M.A.K. Lodhi [REDACTED] Leslie Norman [REDACTED] Abdul Rahim Khan [REDACTED] Inamul Haq   [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Z.A. Khan   [REDACTED] Indian Armed Forces : 825,000 – 860,000 Pakistan Armed Forces : 350,000 – 365,000 [REDACTED]   India 2,500 –3,843 killed 9,851 –12,000 injured Neutral claims Indian claims Pakistani claims [REDACTED]   Pakistan 9,000 killed 25,000 wounded 93,000 captured 2 destroyers 1 Minesweeper } 1 Submarine 3 Patrol vessels 7 gunboats Neutral claims Indian claims Pakistani claims Systematic events § indicates events in

237-402: A number of private and government-owned FM channels being introduced. State-owned Doordarshan transmits terrestrial television channels. Apart from these few weekly news channels like Peitngor Cable News (PCN), Ri Khasi Channel, Batesi and T7 are broadcast weekly on the local cable networks. Fixed telephone lines are available. Internet services are available both wired and wireless broadband. It

316-552: A pervasive fascination for archery remains. Shillong teer is an authorised game that is subject to regulations established by the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act. The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association is in charge of managing this lottery event. Binningstar Lyngkhoi from Shillong is a national marathon runner and represented India in the last 2010 Commonwealth Games. He is the fastest marathoner in India with

395-648: A population of 143,229 according to the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the British of Scotland . Hence, they would refer to it as the "Scotland of the East". Shillong has steadily grown in size since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British . In 1874, on the formation of Assam as the Chief Commissioner's Province, Shillong

474-576: A population of 354,759, 12% of which being under six years of age. The literacy rate in the metro region was 91%. Tourist sites in and around the city include: Shillong is one of the capital cities in Northeast India to produce three football clubs that participate in the I-League , namely, Rangdajied United FC , Royal Wahingdoh FC and Shillong Lajong FC . All three have their home stadium at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium . Royal Wahingdoh FC

553-737: A range of financial services to the city's residents and businesses. Newspapers are published for Shillong both in Khasi and English. Prominent English dailies published here include Shillong Times , Meghalaya Guardian , Highland Post , Meghalaya Times and The Sentinel . Khasi dailies like U Mawphor , U Nongsaiñ Hima Peitngor , Kynjat Shai among others are published here. Weekly newspaper are "Salonsar" and "Dongmusa". There are magazines like "Iing Khristan" (100 years of publication), "Pateng Mynta" in Khasi and "Youth Today" and "Eastern Panorama" in English. The radio industry has expanded with

632-587: A rapid offensive easier. By early to mid December, the Himalayan passes would be closed by snow, limiting China's ability to intervene. The news media's mood in Pakistan had turned increasingly jingoistic and militaristic against East Pakistan and India when the Pakistani news media reported the complexity of the situation in the East, though the reactions from Pakistan's news media pundits were mixed. By

711-462: A result of the conflict, a further eight to ten million people fled the country to seek refuge in India. During the 1971 Bangladesh war for independence , members of the Pakistani military and supporting pro-Pakistani Islamist militias called the Razakars raped between 200,000 and 400,000 Bangladeshi women and girls in a systematic campaign of genocidal rape . The Indo-Pakistani conflict

790-692: A single campaign. Two battalions were part of the Indian Peace Keeping Forces in Sri Lanka in 1988 and a battalion served in Cambodia in 1993 as part of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia . Five Territorial Army (TA) battalions (including 2 Eco battalions) and three Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalions are affiliated with the regiment. The unique cultural and tribal character of

869-496: A single province in 1970, in order to restore it to its original heterogeneous status comprising four provinces , as defined at the time of establishment of Pakistan in 1947. In addition, there were religious and racial tensions between Bengalis and the multi-ethnic West Pakistanis, as Bengalis looked different from the dominant West Pakistanis. The East Pakistan's Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stressed his political position by presenting his Six Points and endorsing

SECTION 10

#1732772436745

948-486: A timing of 2:18 hours. Local media in Shillong is strong. There are a number of theatres, newspapers, magazines, local radio and television stations. Shillong is also often called as "India's Rock Capital" due to its inhabitants' great passion for music, hosting concerts featuring a number of western artists. Cinemas in Shillong include Bijou Cinema Hall, Gold Cinema and Anjalee Cinema Hall (also called Galleria Anjalee Cinema). Several banks operate in Shillong, providing

1027-596: A very short time. Source Territorial Army (TA) Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Arunachal Scouts 42 Rashtriya Rifles, formed specially to combat insurgency and terrorism, came into existence at a simple inaugural ceremony at the Assam Regimental Centre at Happy Valley in Shillong. Major General I. J. S. Bora, GOC 101 Area, unfurled the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) flag heralding its formal birth. While four RR battalions had already been raised in

1106-510: Is Hindi . When spoken in the regiment, it is a quaint and unique mixture of Hindi generously sprinkled with words from all the northeastern languages and sounds cryptic to the uninitiated. The regiment, from a small group of three battalions at the time of independence, has now become a 25-Battalions strong force with 15 regular Battalions, 3 Rashtriya Rifles Battalions, 5 Territorial Army Battalions (including 2 Eco Battalions) and 2 Battalions of Arunachal Scouts. Since independence, battalions of

1185-758: Is a two lane road which stretches across 47.06 kilometres (29.2 miles) connecting Umiam (NH-40) to Jorabat (NH-44) which then leads to other northeastern Indian states of Mizoram and Tripura . The project was estimated to have cost around ₹ 220 crore (US$ 26 million) and was completed in a span of two years (2011–2013). Shillong is served by the Shillong Airport , which is located about 30 km away at Umroi. The airport has daily flights to and from Kolkata . It also have flights to and from Lilabari , Delhi , Silchar , Agartala , Imphal , Dimapur , Dibrugarh and Guwahati . Presently Indigo, Alliance Air and SpiceJet are operating regular services from

1264-410: Is also well covered in mobile networks with all major cellular providers like Airtel , Vodafone Idea , BSNL and Jio are available here. HQ Eastern Air Command (HQ, EAC) was shifted to Shillong on 10 Jun 63 from Kolkata and housed in the old buildings located at Nonglyer village at Upper Shillong, some 10 km from (Lower) Shillong, but at a greater altitude of around 6,000 feet AMSL. Initially

1343-627: Is named after the god of the Khasis, "U Blei Shyllong". The more widespread belief is that Shillong was named after a boy named “Aahlad” who was born to a virgin mother near Bisi. Shillong was the capital of composite Assam during the British regime and later until a separate State of Meghalaya was formed. David Scott, the British civil servant of the East India Company , was the Agent of

1422-774: Is subject to vagaries of the monsoon . The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of October. Although well connected by road, Shillong has neither rail connections nor a proper air connection. Umroi Airport located 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre has only limited flights. Shillong is well connected by roads with all major northeastern states. Three major National Highways pass through: Private bus operators, as well as state transport buses from other states, come to and from Shillong daily. Taxi services are also available to destination like Guwahati , Agartala , Kohima , Dimapur , Aizawl and other North Eastern towns and cities. The Shillong Bypass (pictured)

1501-510: Is unique in the Indian Army. This unique greeting adopted by the regiment was introduced by Maj Gen S.C. Barbora, who commanded 2 Assam Regiment in 1960s. Originally he was commissioned in 1 Assam Regiment. The Commanding Officer used to enquire about the morale of the Rhinos' (soldiers) by asking them "Tagra Hai ?" ("are you strong/fit?") Invariably, the answer used to be "Tagra Hai Saheb" ("I am strong/fit, sir"). This greeting became popular in

1580-611: The Mukti Bahini , consisting of a conventional force and a guerilla force, was formed under the retired colonel Mohammad Ataul Gani Osmani . There was also a meeting between Prime Minister Gandhi and President Nixon in November 1971, where she rejected the US advice against intervening in the conflict. After the resignations of Admiral S.M. Ahsan and Lieutenant-General Yaqub Ali Khan, the media correspondents began airing reports of

1659-555: The Pakistani capitulation in Dhaka on 16 December 1971. The war began with Pakistan's Operation Chengiz Khan , consisting of preemptive aerial strikes on eight Indian air stations . The strikes led to India declaring war on Pakistan, marking their entry into the war for East Pakistan's independence, on the side of Bengali nationalist forces . India's entry expanded the existing conflict with Indian and Pakistani forces engaging on both

SECTION 20

#1732772436745

1738-673: The 'Best In Sports' trophy in 2015. In 2019, the 8 Assam participated in Yudh Abhyas 2019, representing India, along the US Army . In 2020, 12 Assam was deployed in the 2020 China–India skirmishes and 17 Assam was deployed in Ladakh as a part of additional forces. The regiment wears a hat, called the Rhino Hat, with the right side lowered, a Rhino with a black diamond-shaped flash on the left (Rhino facing front) and black strap under

1817-514: The Bengali domination and prevent formation of the central government in Islamabad , the controversial One Unit programme established the two wings of East and West Pakistan . West Pakistanis' opposition to these efforts made it difficult to effectively govern both wings. In 1969, President Yahya Khan announced the first general elections and disestablished the status of West Pakistan as

1896-655: The Bengalis to draft the constitution based on the six-points and liberalism. To resolve the crisis, the Admiral Ahsan Mission was formed to provide recommendations. Its findings were met with favourable reviews from the political leaders of West Pakistan, with the exception of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto , the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. However, the military top brass vetoed the mission's proposal. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto endorsed

1975-635: The Bengalis' right to govern. The 1970 Pakistani general election , resulted in Awami League gaining 167 out of 169 seats for the East Pakistan Legislative Assembly , and a near- absolute majority in the 313-seat National Assembly , while the vote in West Pakistan was mostly won by the socialist Pakistan Peoples Party . The League's election success caused many West Pakistanis to fear that it would allow

2054-483: The British did not like the climate and facilities of Sohra and they moved to Shillong. "Ïewduh" is the biggest market in Shillong. The name "Shillong" was later adopted, as the location of the new town was below the Shillong Peak. In 1874, a separate Chief Commissionership was formed with Shillong as the seat of administration. The new administration included Sylhet , now a part of Bangladesh . Also included in

2133-473: The British era maps dating back to 1878, up to 1900. The great earthquake of 12 June 1897 of moment magnitude 8.1 killed 27 from Shillong and destroyed much of the town. Shillong is at 25°34′N 91°53′E  /  25.57°N 91.88°E  / 25.57; 91.88 . It lies on the Shillong Plateau , the only major uplifted structure in the northern Indian shield. The city lies in

2212-583: The Chief Commissionership were the Naga Hills (present-day Nagaland ), Lushai Hills (present-day Mizoram ) as well as Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. Shillong was the capital of composite Assam till 1969 when the autonomous state of Meghalaya was formed. In January 1972, Meghalaya was made a full-fledged state. The Shillong Municipal Board dates back to 1878, when a proclamation was issued constituting Shillong and its suburbs, including

2291-986: The Division Cambrian Patrol Championship 2009–2010. 10 Assam (Thundering Tenth) won the division firing and sniper competition for the year 2011–2012. The contingent of the Assam Regiment was judged "Best Marching Contingent" thrice in the Republic Day celebrations held at Delhi in 1995, 2004 and 2016. The team of the Assam Regimental Centre won the 'Army Young Blood Firing Championship' in 2005 and stood second in 2006. 12 Assam (Daring Dozen) conducted outstanding Counter-insurgency Operations in Arunachal Pradesh, from Mar 2012-Jun 2015, arresting 48 militants, killing 4, seizing 37 weapons and taking 7 surrenders. The battalion also had an outstanding performance in sports and won

2370-659: The Governor-General North East Frontier. During the First Anglo-Burmese War the British authorities felt the need for a road to connect Sylhet and Assam. The route was to traverse across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. David Scott overcame the difficulties his administration faced from the opposition of the Khasi Syiems – their chiefs and people. Impressed by the favourable cool climate of Khasi Hills , they negotiated with

2449-523: The Indian Chief of Army Staff Gen Sam Manekshaw if he was ready to go to war with Pakistan. According to Manekshaw's own personal account, he refused, citing the onset of monsoon season in East Pakistan and also the fact that the army tanks were being refitted. He offered his resignation, which Gandhi declined. He then said he could guarantee victory if she would allow him to prepare for

Assam Regiment - Misplaced Pages Continue

2528-479: The Indian army conducted multiple incursions into East Pakistani territory, generally withdrawing to India after completing their mission. From 21 November, however, Indian forces with Mukti Bahini support entered East Pakistan and remained there in preparation for a formal war that India expected to launch on 6 December. An Indian-Pakistani war seemed inevitable. The Soviet Union reportedly warned Pakistan against

2607-601: The Indian refugee camps for recruitment and training of Mukti Bahini guerrillas that were to be trained against Pakistan. By November 1971, the Indian military was providing direct fire against Pakistani troops and even made several incursions into Pakistani territory. Indian authorities also attempted to carry on psychological warfare and keep up the morale of comrades in East Pakistan. The Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bangladesh Radio Centre), which had broadcast Major Rahman's independence declaration,

2686-544: The Pakistan Armed Forces, including some Bengali soldiers who had remained loyal to Pakistan. The remaining 10,324 to 12,500 prisoners were civilians, either family members of the military personnel or collaborators ( Razakars ). It is estimated that members of the Pakistani military and supporting pro-Pakistani Islamist militias killed between 300,000 and 3,000,000 civilians in Bangladesh. As

2765-480: The Pakistani forces under the command of Brig Mohammad Mumtaz Khan advanced towards the village of Hussainiwala with 2000 troops and artillery support. The Indian side had deployed one battalion, 15 Punjab, under the command of Lt Col Shastry comprising 900 soldiers with support from the IAF. The 15 Punjab could not hold the village and had to retreat on 4 December towards the fortress called Kaiser-i-Hind outside Hussainiwala. The Indian forces were eventually pushed from

2844-598: The Pakistani military's widespread genocide against their Bengali citizens, particularly aimed at the minority Bengali Hindu population, which led to approximately 10 million people seeking refuge in the neighbouring states of Eastern India. The Indian government opened the East Pakistan–India border to allow the Bengali refugees to find safe shelter; the governments of West Bengal , Bihar , Assam , Meghalaya and Tripura established refugee camps along

2923-610: The Syiem of Sohra in 1829 for a sanatorium for the British. Thus began the consolidation of British interests in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. In early 1829, a Khasis confederation mounted a serious uprising against British occupation. But by January 1833, their leader Tirot Sing surrendered to David Scott and was detained to Dacca (present-day Dhaka ). A political agent was posted in Sohra, also known as Cherrapunjee . But

3002-645: The UN Peace Keeping Force in Cambodia ( UNTAC ), Lebanon ( UNIFIL ) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( MONUSCO ) respectively. The regiment's insignia is the one-horned rhino , which is worn on the berets and belts that the soldiers (the self-named "Rhinos") wear. In India, rhinos are found in the state of Assam which is also known for its tea gardens and oil refineries. The regimental salutation of "tagra raho" ("stay strong/fit")

3081-524: The air strikes were a declaration of war against India and the Indian Air Force (IAF) responded with initial air strikes the same night. These expanded to massive retaliatory air strikes the next morning. This air action marked the start of all-out war; Gandhi ordered the mobilisation of troops and launched a full-scale invasion of East Pakistan. This involved Indian forces in coordinated air , sea and land assaults. The main Indian objective on

3160-531: The airport. Teteliya-Byrnihat line, 22 km (14 mi) long, from Guwahati's suburb Tetelia to Byrnihat near Shillong in Meghalaya is likely to be completed by March 2026. From Byrnihat it will be extended further to Shillong in future. Languages spoken across Shillong city (2011) As of the 2011 Census of India , Shillong had a total population of 143,229, of which 70,135 were males and 73,094 were females. As per 2011 language census report, 67,154 of

3239-527: The border. The resulting flood of impoverished East Pakistani refugees strained India's already overburdened economy. The Indian government repeatedly appealed to the international community for assistance, but failed to elicit any response, despite the External Affairs minister Swaran Singh meeting foreign ministers of other countries. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 27 March 1971 concluded that instead of taking in millions of refugees, it

Assam Regiment - Misplaced Pages Continue

3318-591: The capture of around 15,010 km (5,795 sq mi) of Pakistani territory; this land gained by India in Azad Kashmir , Punjab and Sindh sectors was later ceded in the Simla Agreement of 1972, as a gesture of goodwill Casualties inflicted to Pakistan Army's I Corps , II Corps , and Pakistan Marines' Punjab detachment were very high, and many soldiers and marines perished due to lack of operational planning and lack of coordination within

3397-474: The centre of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei, and Lum Shyllong. Shillong is just 100 km (62 mi) from Guwahati , which can be accessed by road along NH 40 , a journey of about 2 hours 30 minutes through lush green hills and the Umiam lake in between. Shillong has been selected as the 100th city to receive funding under

3476-674: The centre's flagship "Smart Cities Mission" Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). In January 2016, 20 cities were announced under the Smart Cities Mission, followed by 13 cities in May 2016, 27 cities in September 2016, 30 cities in June 2017, and 9 cities in January this year. The total proposed investment in the finally selected 100 cities under the Smart Cities Mission would be ₹ 2,050,180 million. Under

3555-469: The chin. A ceremonial 'Dah' is also carried with the belt on ceremonial occasions. Shillong Shillong ( English: / ʃ ɪ ˈ l ɒ ŋ / , Khasi: [ʃɨlːɔːŋ] ) is a hill station and the capital of Meghalaya , a state in northeastern India . It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district . Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with

3634-428: The city's population speak Khasi as their native language, 28,984 speak Bengali , 15,559 speak Hindi , 14,085 speak Nepali , 4,069 speak Assamese , 2,632 speak Punjabi , 3,580 speak Garo , 1,088 speak Urdu and 6,115 speak other languages. 14,317 were aged 0 to 6 years. The literacy rate was 83.5% or 119,642 people: 84.8% for males and 82.3% females. The effective literacy rate of people aged 7 years and older

3713-520: The city, practised by 46.49% of the population, followed by Hinduism at 41.95%, Islam 4.89%, and to a lesser degree, that is, 2.01% includes Sikhism , Buddhism and Jainism . An ancient indigenous religion of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes is still followed by 4.5% of the population. The Shillong metropolitan region, which includes the towns of Laitumkhrah , Lawsohtun , Madanrting , Mawlai , Mawpat, Nongkseh, Nongmynsong , Nongthymmai , Pynthorumkhrah , Shillong Cantonment , Umlyngka and Umpling, had

3792-435: The conflict on his terms, and set a date for it; Gandhi accepted his conditions. In reality, Gandhi was well aware of the difficulties of a hasty military action, but she needed to get the military's views to satisfy her hawkish colleagues and the public opinion, which were critical of India's restraint. By mid July, India had settled on a plan of attack. The ground in the East would be drier by mid November, which would make

3871-640: The conservative print media outlets in the country had published jihad related materials to boost the recruitment in the military. On the evening of 3 December, at about 17:35, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched surprise pre-emptive strikes on eight Indian airfields, including Agra , which was 480 kilometres (300 mi) from the border. At the time of the attack, the Taj Mahal had been camouflaged with lots of twigs and leaves and draped with burlap, because its marble glowed prominently in

3950-586: The east. On 26 March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman of the Pakistan Army declared the independence of Bangladesh on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In April, the exiled Awami League leaders formed a government-in-exile in Baidyanathtala of Meherpur . The East Pakistan Rifles and Bengali officers in Pakistan's army , navy , and marines , defected to the rebellion after taking refuge in different parts of India. The Bangladesh Force, namely

4029-672: The eastern and western fronts. Thirteen days after the war started, India achieved a clear upper hand, and the Eastern Command of the Pakistan military signed the instrument of surrender on 16 December 1971 in Dhaka, marking the formation of East Pakistan as the new nation of Bangladesh . Approximately 93,000 Pakistani servicemen were taken prisoner by the Indian Army , which included 79,676 to 81,000 uniformed personnel of

SECTION 50

#1732772436745

4108-543: The eastern front was to capture Dacca, and on the western front to contain Pakistani forces. The Indian army was better equipped than the Pakistanis and enjoyed significant numerical superiority over them. Pakistan launched a ground offensive on the western front. Major ground attacks were concentrated on the western border by the Pakistan Army but the Indian Army was successful in penetrating into Pakistani soil. It eventually made some quick and initial gains, including

4187-575: The end of September 1971, a propaganda campaign, possibly orchestrated by elements within the government of Pakistan , resulted in stickers endorsing " Crush India " becoming a standard feature on the rear windows of vehicles in Rawalpindi , Islamabad and Lahore ; this soon spread to the rest of West Pakistan. By October, other stickers proclaimed Hang the Traitor in an apparent reference to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. From mid October to 20 November,

4266-504: The government, and dissidents in the East began targeting the ethnic Bihari community, which largely supported West Pakistan. In early March 1971, approximately 300 Biharis were slaughtered in riots by Bengali mobs in Chittagong alone. The Government of Pakistan used the "Bihari massacre" to justify its deployment of the military in East Pakistan on 25 March, when it initiated its military crackdown . President Yahya Khan called on

4345-686: The internal resistance movement linked to the Indo-Pakistani War. ‡ indicates events in the Indo-Pakistani War linked to the internal resistance movement in Bangladesh. Other conflicts Border skirmishes Strikes The Indo-Pakistani war of 1971 , also known as the third India-Pakistan war , was a military confrontation between India and Pakistan that occurred during the Bangladesh Liberation War in East Pakistan from 3 December 1971 until

4424-426: The invasion of India by Japan was imminent, the regiment was moved to Jessami and Kharasom to delay the advance of the Japanese 31st Division . The young regiment soon proved its capabilities within three years of its raising, at the consecutive battles of Jessami , the epic defence of Kohima and the capture of Aradura , all of which were awarded as battle honours (now known as pre-independence battle honours) to

4503-418: The marine-army formations against Indian Army's Southern and Western Commands . By the time the war came to end, the army soldiers and marines were highly demoralised– both emotionally and psychologically– on the western front and had no will to put up a defensive fight against the approaching Indian Army soldiers. On 3 December, after the air strike carried out by the PAF, the 106 Infantry Brigade of

4582-423: The mass protests in 1969. These led to the resignation of President Ayub Khan , who invited army chief General Yahya Khan to take over the central government . The geographical distance between the eastern and western wings of Pakistan was vast; East Pakistan lay over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 mi) away, which greatly hampered any attempt to integrate the Bengali and the Pakistani cultures. To overcome

4661-408: The military – which was overwhelmingly led by West Pakistanis – to suppress dissent in the East, after accepting the resignation of Lieutenant-General Yaqub Ali Khan , the chief of staff of the East-Pakistani military . Mass arrests of dissidents began and, after several days of strikes and non-cooperation , the Pakistani military, led by Lieutenant-General Tikka Khan , cracked down on Dhaka on

4740-423: The moonlight. These pre-emptive strikes, known as Operation Chengiz Khan , were inspired by the success of Israeli Operation Focus in the Arab–Israeli Six-Day War . Unlike the Israeli attack on Arab airbases in 1967, which involved a large number of Israeli planes, Pakistan flew too few planes to inflict significant damage. In an address to the nation on radio that same evening, Prime Minister Gandhi held that

4819-403: The night of 25 March 1971. The government outlawed the Awami League, which forced many of its members and sympathisers into refuge in Eastern India . Mujib was arrested on the night of 25/26 March 1971 at about 1:30 am (as per Radio Pakistan's news on 29 March 1971) and taken to West Pakistan. Operation Searchlight , followed by Operation Barisal , attempted to kill the intellectual elite of

SECTION 60

#1732772436745

4898-418: The recent past, the 41st RR battalion (Maratha Light Infantry) was simultaneously raised in Karnataka's Belgaum. Maj. Gen. Bora said that as Meghalaya was relatively peaceful, there was no contemplation of deployment of armed forces at present. The force, raised to relieve the Army of counter insurgency operations, proved its mettle both in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the northeast. The 3rd battalion of

4977-430: The regiment and, today, the regiment can boast of being composed of troops of diverse customs, cultures, languages, traditions and ethos belonging to all the eight Northeastern states of India. Within six months of its raising, the regiment was ordered to move to Digboi to defend the oil fields. In early 1942, it moved to Ledo and was involved in reconnoitering the alignment for the famous Stilwell Road . In 1944, when

5056-433: The regiment have participated in the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and all the conflicts with Pakistan . The regiment was awarded a battle honour for its tenacious defence at Chaamb in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 . Two of its battalions, 4 Assam and 7 Assam, have had the privilege of being part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka and 1 Assam, 15 Assam and 10 Assam have the unique distinction of being part of

5135-416: The regiment makes for a fine combination of cheerful, tough and willing soldiers who excel in operations in mountainous and jungle terrain. The regimental colours are Black and Scarlet (state colours of undivided Assam) and Green (the colour of the infantry). Gold (colour) was added on the occasion of the Golden jubilee. Badges are of silver with black backings. The side arm is the 'Dah'. The regimental language

5214-461: The regiment was drawn from undivided Assam, and consisted of the doughty Ahoms of Assam who had proved their martial prowess by defeating the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat . The hardy, tough and cheerful Misings , Boros, Nagas, Kukis , Khasis , karbi , Garos , Meiteis and later on, the Adis , Nishis , Monpas , other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh , northeast India domiciled Gorkhas and Sikkimese and other tribes were also drafted into

5293-415: The regiment, 3 Assam (Phantom Third), recently celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. 6 Assam (Sabre Sixth) has performed ceremonial duties at Rashtrapati Bhavan and was selected for its outstanding work in counter terrorist operations. 14 Assam (Ferocious Fourteenth) won the Division and Command Football Championships and had fielded four players for the Army Reds & Greens. It had also won the first position in

5372-429: The regiment. The regiment earned high praise for its combat skills in World War II . In its first operation, the regiment won 71 gallantry awards. In addition, the regiment won six battle honours including Jessami, Kohima, Aradura, Toungoo , Kyaukmyaung bridge-head and Mawlaik . It was also awarded the theatre honour Burma: 1942–45. Seldom has a regiment won so many gallantry awards, battle honours and theatre awards in

5451-486: The scheme, each city will get ₹ 5000 million from the centre for implementing various projects. Weather conditions in Shillong are typically pleasant, pollution-free. In the summer the temperature varies from 23 °C (73 °F). In the winter the temperature varies from 4 °C (39 °F). Under Köppen's climate classification the city features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb). Its summers are cool and very rainy, while its winters are cool yet dry. Shillong

5530-419: The veto, and subsequently refused to yield the premiership of Pakistan to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman . The Awami League called for general strikes in the country. President Yahya Khan postponed the inauguration of the National Assembly, causing disillusionment with the Awami League and their supporters throughout East Pakistan. In reaction, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for general strikes that eventually shut down

5609-405: The villages of Mawkhar and Laban, into a station under the Bengal Municipal Act of 1876. Inclusion of the villages of Mawkhar (S.E. Mawkhar, Jaiaw and part of Jhalupara and Mawprem) and Laban (Lumparing, Madan laban, Kench's Trace and Rilbong) within the Municipality of Shillong was agreed to by Haiñ Manik Syiem of Mylliem under the agreement of 15 November 1878. But, there is no trace of Shillong in

5688-458: The war , which they termed as "suicidal course for Pakistan's unity." Despite this warning, in November 1971, thousands of people led by conservative Pakistani politicians marched in Lahore and across Pakistan, calling for Pakistan to "crush India". On 23 November, President Yahya Khan declared a national state of emergency and told the country to prepare for war. By the first week of December,

5767-484: Was 92.8%, 94.8% for males and 90.9% for females. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 1,551 and 73,307, respectively. Shillong had 31,025 households in 2011. As per the 1971 census (before creation of Meghalaya state in 1972), non-tribals constituted 58.53% of the population of Shillong. Religions in Shillong City (2011) According to 2011 census, Christianity is the dominant religion in

5846-416: Was adjudged 2nd runners-up in the 2014–15 season of I-League . The Shillong Golf Course is one of the oldest golf course in the country and is surrounded by pine and rhododendron trees. Among people of the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, archery has been both a sport, a form of defence for several centuries and gambling (teer). While modern customs have replaced many of traditional aspects of the culture here,

5925-566: Was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati . Shillong

6004-603: Was economical to go to war against Pakistan, and expressed full support of her government for the independence struggle of the people of East Pakistan. On 28 April 1971, the Union cabinet ordered the Chief of the Army Staff General Sam Manekshaw to "Go into East Pakistan". Defected East Pakistan military officers and the elements of Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) immediately started using

6083-513: Was relocated from Kalurghat in East Pakistan to India after the transmission building was shelled by Pakistani Sabre jets on 30 March 1971. It resumed broadcasts on 3 April from Tripura, aided by the Indian Border Security Force . The clandestine station was finally shifted to Kolkata , where it was joined by a large number of Bangladeshi radio programmers, newscasters, poets, singers and journalists. Its jurisdiction

6162-529: Was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War , a conflict between the traditionally dominant West Pakistanis and the majority East Pakistanis. The political tensions between East Bengal and West Pakistan had its origin in the creation of Pakistan as a result of the partition of India by the United Kingdom in 1947; the popular language movement in 1950; mass riots in East Bengal in 1964; and

6241-443: Was transferred to the provisional Bangladesh government-in-exile, and made its first broadcast on 25 May, the birth anniversary of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam (who would later be named Bangladesh's national poet ). Among the Indian contributors to the radio station's nationalistic programmes was Salil Chowdhury . Akashvani Kolkata also actively took part in this effort. By the end of April 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had asked

#744255