Battle of Asal Uttar

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Context

• Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat paid homage to Abdul Hamid's legacy by visiting his native village of Dhamupur.
• At the Battle of Asal Uttar Hamid destroyed eight Pakistani tanks and was killed in action destroying the ninth tank.

Battle of Asal Uttar

• Situated near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, the Battle of Asal Uttar unfolded during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, marking a critical moment in military history.
• Pakistan's 1 Armoured Division launched a significant offensive with the objective to capture key territories, including Khem Karan.
• This move aimed to sever Punjab from the rest of India by cutting off crucial supply routes and strategically important areas like Amritsar.

Khem Karan Khem Karan is a town and a nagar panchayat in Tarn Taran district of Patti tehsil of the Majha region of the Indian state of Punjab. It was the site of a tank battle in 1965. The Battle of Asal Uttar was the second largest tank battle of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. The battle led to the creation of Patton Nagar (or Patton City/Graveyard) at the site of the battle viz, Khem Karan.

The Battle and Its Outcome

• From September 8 to 10, 1965, the Battle of Asal Uttar raged fiercely.
• Indian forces, bolstered by strategic reinforcements, repelled Pakistan's offensive with remarkable effectiveness.
• The battle culminated in a resounding victory for India, inflicting heavy losses on the Pakistani Army.
• Despite this decisive victory, the town of Khem Karan remained under Pakistani occupation until the ceasefire was declared. Ultimately, it was returned to India in exchange for Indian-occupied territories in Pakistan.

Abdul Hamid's Heroic Contribution

Military Role and Deployment

• Among the many heroes of the Battle of Asal Uttar stands Abdul Hamid of Indian Army.
• Hamid was deployed on the outskirts of Chima village along the Amritsar-Khem Karan road.
• His unit's task was crucial: to detect and neutralize enemy tanks prowling the fields near Asal Uttar.

Act of Valor and Sacrifice

• On September 10, 1965, Hamid's courage and tactical acumen came to the fore.
• Hamid spotted and engaged four Pakistani Patton tanks.
• He maneuvered to point-blank range and successfully disabled one tank while destroying three others. This heroic action not only saved Indian lives but also dealt a severe blow to the advancing Pakistani forces.
• Tragically, Hamid made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He fell victim to enemy fire from another Pakistani tank during this engagement, displaying unmatched bravery and devotion to his comrades and country.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. During which conflict did the Battle of Asal Uttar occur? A. 1962 Sino-Indian War B. 1947 Indo-Pakistani War C. 1965 Indo-Pakistani War D. 1971 Indo-Pakistani War Answer: C. 1965 Indo-Pakistani War

 SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS