Meghna Heli Bridge - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 01:22, 24 October 2022
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	{{Short description\|Aerial operation by the Indian Air Force during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971}}		{{Short description\|Aerial operation by the Indian Air Force during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971}}
	{{Redirect-distinguish\|Operation Cactus-Lilly\|Operation Cactus}}		{{Redirect-distinguish\|Operation Cactus-Lilly\|Operation Cactus}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=October ~~2022~~}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=October 2013}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=October ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2013}}
	{{Warbox		{{Warbox
	\|conflict=Operation Cactus Lilly		\|conflict=Operation Cactus Lilly
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	\|image=Meghna Helibridge.jpg		\|image=Meghna Helibridge.jpg
	\|image_size=300px		\|image_size=300px
	\|caption=[[Mil Mi-4\|Mi-4]] of [[Indian Air Force\|IAF]] mounting troops in [[Brahmanbaria]] on 9 December 1971.<!-- FAIR USE of Meghna_Helibridge.jpg: see image description page at http://en.~~bharatdata~~.org/wiki/Image:Meghna_Helibridge.jpg for rationale -->		\|caption=[[Mil Mi-4\|Mi-4]] of [[Indian Air Force\|IAF]] mounting troops in [[Brahmanbaria]] on 9 December 1971.<!-- FAIR USE of Meghna_Helibridge.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Meghna_Helibridge.jpg for rationale -->
	\|date=9 December 1971		\|date=9 December 1971
	\|place=[[East Pakistan]]		\|place=[[East Pakistan]]
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	==Operation==		==Operation==
	When the war broke out, ''IV corps'' went into action in the [[Agartala]] sector. At the start of the Dhaka Campaign, Dhaka was set as an objective for ''II Corps'' and ''IV Corps '' had been tasked to capture the fortress of [[Comilla]].{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}} By 8 December, troops of the ''57 Mountain Division'' and the ''IV Corps'' had already achieved their initial objectives of occupying the territory leading up to the [[Meghna]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-11-08\|title=The epic role of helicopter units in 1971\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/the-epic-role-of-helicopter-units-in-1971-7612189/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=The Indian Express\|language=en}}</ref> The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge, which very soon became a fortress where a Pakistani division had consolidated itself. The strategic importance of breaking down resistance at Ashuganj soon became apparent to [[Lt Gen Sagat Singh]], leading the IV Corps, who realised that his troops could, with a push, threaten Dhaka.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-05-25\|title=Surrender at Dacca Birth of a Nation Lt Gen JFR Jacob\|url=https://songramernotebook.com/archives/58389\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=সংগ্রামের নোটবুক\|language=en-US}}</ref> Once a significant force had been built up, there was no recognisable enemy force between the helidropped force and Dhaka. Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4,000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh however, realised his formation would be joining in the race to [[Dhaka]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=..:: India Strategic ::. Army: The Indo-Pak Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971\|url=https://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1291_Indo-Pak_Bangladesh_liberation_war_1971.htm\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.indiastrategic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=1971 – India's Greatest Victory\|url=https://www.spslandforces.com/story/?id=734&h=1971-Indias-Greatest-Victory\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.spslandforces.com\|language=en}}</ref> As would later turn out, ''II Corps'' was [[Battle of Kushtia\|held at Kushtia]] by Pakistani defences and did not make it to Dhaka.		When the war broke out, ''IV corps'' went into action in the [[Agartala]] sector. At the start of the Dhaka Campaign, Dhaka was set as an objective for ''II Corps'' and ''IV Corps '' had been tasked to capture the fortress of [[Comilla]].{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}} By 8 December, troops of the ''57 Mountain Division'' and the ''IV Corps'' had already achieved their initial objectives of occupying the territory leading up to the [[Meghna]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-11-08\|title=The epic role of helicopter units in 1971\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/the-epic-role-of-helicopter-units-in-1971-7612189/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=The Indian Express\|language=en}}</ref> The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge, which very soon became a fortress where a Pakistani division had consolidated itself. The strategic importance of breaking down resistance at Ashuganj soon became apparent to [[Lt Gen Sagat Singh]], leading the IV Corps, who realised that his troops could, with a push, threaten Dhaka.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-05-25\|title=Surrender at Dacca Birth of a Nation Lt Gen JFR Jacob\|url=https://songramernotebook.com/archives/58389\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=সংগ্রামের নোটবুক\|language=en-US}}</ref> Once a significant force had been built up, there was no recognisable enemy force between the helidropped force and Dhaka. Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4,000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh however, realised his formation would be joining in the race to [[Dhaka]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=..:: India Strategic ::. Army: The Indo-Pak Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971\|url=https://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1291_Indo-Pak_Bangladesh_liberation_war_1971.htm\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.indiastrategic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=1971 – India's Greatest Victory\|url=https://www.spslandforces.com/story/?id=734&h=1971-Indias-Greatest-Victory\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.spslandforces.com\|language=en}}</ref> As would later turn out, ''II Corps'' was [[Battle of Kushtia\|held at Kushtia]] by Pakistani defences and did not make it to Dhaka.
	<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:IV Corps Ops Map.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|left\|'''IV Corps operation in 1971'''. The [[Ashuganj]] bridge, marked in red, was a key river crossing. Raipura and Narsingdi are situated immediately south of Ashuganj, North West of Dhaka.]] --><!-- FAIR USE of IV Corps Ops Map.jpg: see image description page at http://en.~~bharatdata~~.org/wiki/IV Corps Ops Map.jpg for rationale -->		<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:IV Corps Ops Map.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|left\|'''IV Corps operation in 1971'''. The [[Ashuganj]] bridge, marked in red, was a key river crossing. Raipura and Narsingdi are situated immediately south of Ashuganj, North West of Dhaka.]] --><!-- FAIR USE of IV Corps Ops Map.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IV Corps Ops Map.jpg for rationale -->
	However, Aerial photos also showed that the bridge had been destroyed and it would require the Army Engineers to construct a new bridge over the sprawling Meghna for Indian troops to advance. Anticipating high casualties in the attempt to take the bridge by force, Singh, along with Maj Gen [[B F Gonsalves]], leading the 57 Mtn Div, made the decision to airlift the troops.{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}}		However, Aerial photos also showed that the bridge had been destroyed and it would require the Army Engineers to construct a new bridge over the sprawling Meghna for Indian troops to advance. Anticipating high casualties in the attempt to take the bridge by force, Singh, along with Maj Gen [[B F Gonsalves]], leading the 57 Mtn Div, made the decision to airlift the troops.{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}}

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	==Popular culture==		==Popular culture==
	[[Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973 film)\|Hindustan Ki Kasam]] a [[Hindi]] [[war movie]] directed by [[Chetan Anand (director)\|Chetan Anand]] and released in 1973 was based on the incidents of ''Operation Cactus Lilly''.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/top-10-films-on-indo-pak-conflict/videols/7824538.cms \|newspaper=[[The Times of India]] \|date=30 March 2011 \|access-date=28 July ~~2022~~}}</ref>		[[Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973 film)\|Hindustan Ki Kasam]] a [[Hindi]] [[war movie]] directed by [[Chetan Anand (director)\|Chetan Anand]] and released in 1973 was based on the incidents of ''Operation Cactus Lilly''.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/top-10-films-on-indo-pak-conflict/videols/7824538.cms \|newspaper=[[The Times of India]] \|date=30 March 2011 \|access-date=28 July 2012}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

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← Older revision		Revision as of 01:22, 24 October 2022
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	{{Use Indian English\|date=October ~~2013~~}}		{{Short description\|Aerial operation by the Indian Air Force during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=October ~~2013~~}}		{{Redirect-distinguish\|Operation Cactus-Lilly\|Operation Cactus}}
			{{Use Indian English\|date=October 2022}}
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2022}}
	{{Warbox		{{Warbox
	\|conflict=Operation Cactus Lilly		\|conflict=Operation Cactus Lilly
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	\|image=Meghna Helibridge.jpg		\|image=Meghna Helibridge.jpg
	\|image_size=300px		\|image_size=300px
	\|caption=[[Mil Mi-4\|Mi-4]] of [[Indian Air Force\|IAF]] mounting troops in [[Brahmanbaria]] on 9 December 1971.<!-- FAIR USE of Meghna_Helibridge.jpg: see image description page at http://en.~~wikipedia~~.org/wiki/Image:Meghna_Helibridge.jpg for rationale -->		\|caption=[[Mil Mi-4\|Mi-4]] of [[Indian Air Force\|IAF]] mounting troops in [[Brahmanbaria]] on 9 December 1971.<!-- FAIR USE of Meghna_Helibridge.jpg: see image description page at http://en.bharatdata.org/wiki/Image:Meghna_Helibridge.jpg for rationale -->
	\|date=9 December 1971		\|date=9 December 1971
	\|place=[[East Pakistan]]		\|place=[[East Pakistan]]
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	{{Campaignbox Bangladesh Liberation War}}		{{Campaignbox Bangladesh Liberation War}}

	'''Meghna Heli Bridge''' codenamed ''''Operation Cactus Lilly'''' was an aerial [[military operation\|operation]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], commencing India's involvement in [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. It took place on 9 December, when the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) airlifted the IV Corps of the [[Indian Army]] and [[Mukti Bahini]] fighters from [[Brahmanbaria District\|Brahmanbaria]] to Raipura in [[Narsingdi District\|Narsingdi]] over the River [[Meghna]], bypassing the destroyed Meghna Bridge and Pakistani defences in [[Ashuganj]].<ref name=Helibridge_meghna>{{cite news \|title=Helibridge over the Meghna \|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec10/Art04.htm \|newspaper=The Liberation Times \|date=10 December 1971 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706152854/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec10/Art04.htm \|archive-date=6 July 2007 \|access-date=28 July 2012}}</ref>		'''Meghna Heli Bridge''', codenamed '''Operation Cactus Lilly''', was an aerial [[military operation\|operation]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], commencing India's involvement in [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. It took place on 9 December, when the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) airlifted the IV Corps of the [[Indian Army]] and [[Mukti Bahini]] fighters from [[Brahmanbaria District\|Brahmanbaria]] to Raipura in [[Narsingdi District\|Narsingdi]] over the River [[Meghna]], bypassing the destroyed Meghna Bridge and Pakistani defences in [[Ashuganj]].

	==Operation==		==Operation==
	~~{{more citations needed\|section\|date=December 2012}}~~		When the war broke out, ''IV corps'' went into action in the [[Agartala]] sector. At the start of the Dhaka Campaign, Dhaka was set as an objective for ''II Corps'' and ''IV Corps '' had been tasked to capture the fortress of [[Comilla]].{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}} By 8 December, troops of the ''57 Mountain Division'' and the ''IV Corps'' had already achieved their initial objectives of occupying the territory leading up to the [[Meghna]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-11-08\|title=The epic role of helicopter units in 1971\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/the-epic-role-of-helicopter-units-in-1971-7612189/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=The Indian Express\|language=en}}</ref> The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge, which very soon became a fortress where a Pakistani division had consolidated itself. The strategic importance of breaking down resistance at Ashuganj soon became apparent to [[Lt Gen Sagat Singh]], leading the IV Corps, who realised that his troops could, with a push, threaten Dhaka.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-05-25\|title=Surrender at Dacca Birth of a Nation Lt Gen JFR Jacob\|url=https://songramernotebook.com/archives/58389\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=সংগ্রামের নোটবুক\|language=en-US}}</ref> Once a significant force had been built up, there was no recognisable enemy force between the helidropped force and Dhaka. Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4,000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh however, realised his formation would be joining in the race to [[Dhaka]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=..:: India Strategic ::. Army: The Indo-Pak Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971\|url=https://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1291_Indo-Pak_Bangladesh_liberation_war_1971.htm\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.indiastrategic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=1971 – India's Greatest Victory\|url=https://www.spslandforces.com/story/?id=734&h=1971-Indias-Greatest-Victory\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.spslandforces.com\|language=en}}</ref> As would later turn out, ''II Corps'' was [[Battle of Kushtia\|held at Kushtia]] by Pakistani defences and did not make it to Dhaka.
	When the war broke out, ''IV corps'' went into action in the [[Agartala]] sector. At the start of the Dhaka Campaign, Dhaka was set as an objective for ''II Corps'' and ''IV Corps '' had been tasked to capture the fortress of [[Comilla]]. By 8 December, troops of the ''57 Mountain Division'' and the ''IV Corps'' had already achieved their initial objectives of occupying the territory leading up to the [[Meghna]]. The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge, which very soon became a fortress where a Pakistani division had consolidated itself. The strategic importance of breaking down resistance at Ashuganj soon became apparent to [[Lt Gen Sagat Singh]], leading the IV Corps, who realised that his troops could, with a push, threaten Dhaka. Once a significant force had been built up, there was no recognisable enemy force between the helidropped force and Dhaka. Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4,000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh however, realised his formation would be joining in the race to [[Dhaka]]. As would later turn out, ''II Corps'' was [[Battle of Kushtia\|held at Kushtia]] by Pakistani defences and did not make it to Dhaka.		<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:IV Corps Ops Map.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|left\|'''IV Corps operation in 1971'''. The [[Ashuganj]] bridge, marked in red, was a key river crossing. Raipura and Narsingdi are situated immediately south of Ashuganj, North West of Dhaka.]] --><!-- FAIR USE of IV Corps Ops Map.jpg: see image description page at http://en.bharatdata.org/wiki/IV Corps Ops Map.jpg for rationale -->
	<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:IV Corps Ops Map.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|left\|'''IV Corps operation in 1971'''. The [[Ashuganj]] bridge, marked in red, was a key river crossing. Raipura and Narsingdi are situated immediately south of Ashuganj, North West of Dhaka.]] --><!-- FAIR USE of IV Corps Ops Map.jpg: see image description page at http://en.~~wikipedia~~.org/wiki/IV Corps Ops Map.jpg for rationale -->		However, Aerial photos also showed that the bridge had been destroyed and it would require the Army Engineers to construct a new bridge over the sprawling Meghna for Indian troops to advance. Anticipating high casualties in the attempt to take the bridge by force, Singh, along with Maj Gen [[B F Gonsalves]], leading the 57 Mtn Div, made the decision to airlift the troops.{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}}
	However, Aerial photos also showed that the bridge had been destroyed and it would require the Army Engineers to construct a new bridge over the sprawling Meghna for Indian troops to advance. Anticipating high casualties in the attempt to take the bridge by force, Singh, along with Maj Gen [[B F Gonsalves]], leading the 57 Mtn Div, made the decision to airlift the troops.~~<ref name~~=~~Helibridge_meghna/>~~

	Brilliant in its conception, the idea was fraught with risks and dangers. The move had to go un-opposed, or at the worse, face minimal opposition from Pakistani troops north of Raipura. The Indian troops that were helidropped did not have artillery or armoured support. On the 9th, troops began to be airlifted to Raipura, south of the Ashuganj Bridge. Once this position was consolidated, the troops were to be airlifted to Narsingdi. From Narsingdi the road to Dhaka would lie bare for IV Corps to take. To provide support for the heliborne troops, PT-76 Tanks were told to ford the Meghna River.<ref ~~name~~=~~Helibridge_meghna~~/>		Brilliant in its conception, the idea was fraught with risks and dangers. The move had to go un-opposed, or at the worse, face minimal opposition from Pakistani troops north of Raipura. The Indian troops that were helidropped did not have artillery or armoured support.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Lambeth\|first=Benjamin\|title=Airpower at 18,000': The Indian Air Force in the Kargil War\|url=https://carnegieendowment.org/2012/09/20/airpower-at-18-000-indian-air-force-in-kargil-war-pub-49421\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Rastogi\|first=Naresh\|date=2019-10-20\|title=How Indian Army won the famous tank battle of Asal Uttar in 1965 against Pakistan\|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/how-indian-army-won-the-famous-tank-battle-of-asal-uttar-in-1965-against-pakistan/308091/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=ThePrint\|language=en-US}}</ref> On the 9th, troops began to be airlifted to Raipura, south of the Ashuganj Bridge. Once this position was consolidated, the troops were to be airlifted to Narsingdi. From Narsingdi the road to Dhaka would lie bare for IV Corps to take.<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2019-07-26\|title=Kargil: The forgotten victims of the world's highest war\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49101016\|access-date=2021-11-11}}</ref> To provide support for the heliborne troops, PT-76 Tanks were told to ford the Meghna River.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army\|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref>

	The [[Indian Air Force\|IAF]]'s operation was led by [[Group Captain]] [[Chandan Singh (Air Marshal)\|Chandan Singh]] and ~~utillised~~ [[Mil Mi-4\|Mi-4]] helicopters that had already been involved in the [[Battle of Sylhet\|Sylhet air-lift]] on the night of 7 December. Through the night of 9 December, the IAF air-lifted the entire 311 Brigade. The first troops, numbering around six hundred were landed through the night of the 9th, immediately making contact with Pakistani troops north of Raipura. They however held their positions, with the IAF flying in reinforcements. Over the next 36 hours, over 110 sorties were flown. The Mi-4, which normally carried 14 troops, carried as many as 23 on board. The troops were initially airlifted to Raipura, south of the Ashuganj Bridge. At the same time as this operation was on, 73rd Brigade moved across Meghna on boats and riverine crafts.		The [[Indian Air Force\|IAF]]'s operation was led by [[Group Captain]] [[Chandan Singh (Air Marshal)\|Chandan Singh]] and utilised [[Mil Mi-4\|Mi-4]] helicopters that had already been involved in the [[Battle of Sylhet\|Sylhet air-lift]] on the night of 7 December.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=1971 Air War: Battle for Air Supremacy\|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/1971-air-war-battle-for-air-supremacy/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=Indian Defence Review\|language=en-US}}</ref> Through the night of 9 December, the IAF air-lifted the entire 311 Brigade. The first troops, numbering around six hundred were landed through the night of the 9th, immediately making contact with Pakistani troops north of Raipura.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Taneja\|first=Nidhi\|date=2021-08-15\|title=Rewinding: How Vijay Karnik's heroics led to India's victory in 1971 Indo-Pak war\|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/independence-day-2021-vijay-karnik-1971-indo-pak-war-heroics-india-victory-true-story-bhuj-726615\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.indiatvnews.com\|language=en}}</ref> They however held their positions, with the IAF flying in reinforcements. Over the next 36 hours, over 110 sorties were flown.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=VrC\|first=Capt Pushp Vaid\|title=Special Heli Borne Ops - Sylhet and Meghna\|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/1971war/1397-special-heli-borne-ops-sylhet-and-meghna.html\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb}}</ref> The Mi-4, which normally carried 14 troops, carried as many as 23 on board. The troops were initially airlifted to Raipura, south of the Ashuganj Bridge. At the same time as this operation was on, 73rd Brigade moved across Meghna on boats and riverine crafts.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=1971 War: Battle of Sylhet-The first Special Heli Borne Operation\|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/1971-war-battle-of-sylhet-the-first-special-heli-borne-operation/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=Indian Defence Review\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Our Journey\|url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/history-timeline/\|access-date=2021-11-11\|website=Indian Air Force: Touch The Sky With Glory\|language=en-US}}</ref>

	After consolidating their positions at Raipura, the troops were helilifted to Narsingdi. After securing Narshingdi, Indian forces captured Daudkandi and Baidder Bazar on 14 and 15 December respectively, both with helicopter assault. From Narshingdi, the metalled road to Dhaka lay undefended for IV Corps to take.~~<ref name~~=~~Helibridge_meghna/>~~		After consolidating their positions at Raipura, the troops were helilifted to Narsingdi. After securing Narshingdi, Indian forces captured Daudkandi and Baidder Bazar on 14 and 15 December respectively, both with helicopter assault. From Narshingdi, the metalled road to Dhaka lay undefended for IV Corps to take.{{citation needed\|date=February 2022}}

	==Aftermath==		==Aftermath==
	The Pakistani Army had left the roads to Dhaka undefended moving their defences at the bridge-heads and defensive strong-points, expecting to hold the Indian Army at these positions long enough till the [[UN]] and international pressure halted the Indian advance. The '''Meghna Helibridge''' along with the '''[[Tangail Airdrop]]''' on 11 December ensured that these positions were by-passed, capturing the approaches to Dhaka. Moreover, the Pakistani garrison at Ashuganj was effectively put under [[siege]], facing the Indian Army at Brahmanbaria and at Raipura. The '''Tangail Airdrop''' a day later denied the Pakistani 93 Brigade the sanctuary of Dhaka. Dhaka now could only be defended by troops within the city.		The Pakistani Army had left the roads to Dhaka undefended moving their defences at the bridge-heads and defensive strong-points, expecting to hold the Indian Army at these positions long enough till the [[UN]] and international pressure halted the Indian advance. The '''Meghna Helibridge''' along with the '''[[Tangail Airdrop]]''' on 11 December ensured that these positions were by-passed, capturing the approaches to Dhaka.{{citation needed\|date=November 2021}} Moreover, the Pakistani garrison at Ashuganj was effectively put under [[siege]], facing the Indian Army at Brahmanbaria and at Raipura. The '''Tangail Airdrop''' a day later denied the Pakistani 93 Brigade the sanctuary of Dhaka. Dhaka now could only be defended by troops within the city.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2018-12-16\|title=1971 war: The story of India's victory, Pak's surrender, Bangladesh freedom\|work=Business Standard India\|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/vijay-diwas-how-india-ended-pak-s-atrocities-and-ensured-freed-bangladesh-118121600120_1.html\|access-date=2021-11-11}}</ref>

	==Popular culture==		==Popular culture==
	[[Hindustan Ki Kasam]] a [[Hindi]] [[war movie]] directed by [[Chetan Anand (director)\|Chetan Anand]] and released in 1973 was based on the incidents of ''Operation Cactus Lilly''.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/top-10-films-on-indo-pak-conflict/videols/7824538.cms \|newspaper=[[The Times of India]] \|date=30 March 2011 \|access-date=28 July ~~2012~~}}</ref>		[[Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973 film)\|Hindustan Ki Kasam]] a [[Hindi]] [[war movie]] directed by [[Chetan Anand (director)\|Chetan Anand]] and released in 1973 was based on the incidents of ''Operation Cactus Lilly''.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/top-10-films-on-indo-pak-conflict/videols/7824538.cms \|newspaper=[[The Times of India]] \|date=30 March 2011 \|access-date=28 July 2022}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

imported>BrownHairedGirl: remove navbox {{Military of India}}, which doesn't link here, removed: {{Military of India}}

2021-05-02T16:50:01Z

remove navbox {{Military of India}}, which doesn't link here, removed: {{Military of India}}

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{{Use Indian English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Warbox
|conflict=Operation Cactus Lilly
|partof=the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] and [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1971]]
|campaign= East Pakistan Campaign.
|image=Meghna Helibridge.jpg
|image_size=300px
|caption=[[Mil Mi-4|Mi-4]] of [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] mounting troops in [[Brahmanbaria]] on 9 December 1971.
|date=9 December 1971
|place=[[East Pakistan]]
|result= Indian-Bangladeshi victory
* Successful destruction of Meghna bridge
|combatant1={{flag|India}}<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Mukti Bahini-DeFacto.svg}} [[Mukti Bahini]]
|combatant2={{flag|Pakistan}}
|commander1={{flagicon|India}} [[Sagat Singh|Lt Gen Sagat Singh]]
|commander2={{flagicon|Pakistan}} Unknown
|strength1= Unknown
|strength2= Unknown
|casualties1=10 killed<ref>[http://www.indianarmy.in.nic]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} - Official Indian Army Website: Complete Roll of Honor of casualties of Operation Cactus-Lilly</ref>
|casualties2=Unknown
}}
{{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}}
{{Campaignbox Bangladesh Liberation War}}

'''Meghna Heli Bridge''' codenamed ''''Operation Cactus Lilly'''' was an aerial [[military operation|operation]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], commencing India's involvement in [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. It took place on 9 December, when the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) airlifted the IV Corps of the [[Indian Army]] and [[Mukti Bahini]] fighters from [[Brahmanbaria District|Brahmanbaria]] to Raipura in [[Narsingdi District|Narsingdi]] over the River [[Meghna]], bypassing the destroyed Meghna Bridge and Pakistani defences in [[Ashuganj]].<ref name=Helibridge_meghna>{{cite news |title=Helibridge over the Meghna |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec10/Art04.htm |newspaper=The Liberation Times |date=10 December 1971 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706152854/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec10/Art04.htm |archive-date=6 July 2007 |access-date=28 July 2012}}</ref>

==Operation==
{{more citations needed|section|date=December 2012}}
When the war broke out, ''IV corps'' went into action in the [[Agartala]] sector. At the start of the Dhaka Campaign, Dhaka was set as an objective for ''II Corps'' and ''IV Corps '' had been tasked to capture the fortress of [[Comilla]]. By 8 December, troops of the ''57 Mountain Division'' and the ''IV Corps'' had already achieved their initial objectives of occupying the territory leading up to the [[Meghna]]. The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge, which very soon became a fortress where a Pakistani division had consolidated itself. The strategic importance of breaking down resistance at Ashuganj soon became apparent to [[Lt Gen Sagat Singh]], leading the IV Corps, who realised that his troops could, with a push, threaten Dhaka. Once a significant force had been built up, there was no recognisable enemy force between the helidropped force and Dhaka. Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4,000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh however, realised his formation would be joining in the race to [[Dhaka]]. As would later turn out, ''II Corps'' was [[Battle of Kushtia|held at Kushtia]] by Pakistani defences and did not make it to Dhaka.

However, Aerial photos also showed that the bridge had been destroyed and it would require the Army Engineers to construct a new bridge over the sprawling Meghna for Indian troops to advance. Anticipating high casualties in the attempt to take the bridge by force, Singh, along with Maj Gen [[B F Gonsalves]], leading the 57 Mtn Div, made the decision to airlift the troops.<ref name=Helibridge_meghna/>

Brilliant in its conception, the idea was fraught with risks and dangers. The move had to go un-opposed, or at the worse, face minimal opposition from Pakistani troops north of Raipura. The Indian troops that were helidropped did not have artillery or armoured support. On the 9th, troops began to be airlifted to Raipura, south of the Ashuganj Bridge. Once this position was consolidated, the troops were to be airlifted to Narsingdi. From Narsingdi the road to Dhaka would lie bare for IV Corps to take. To provide support for the heliborne troops, PT-76 Tanks were told to ford the Meghna River.<ref name=Helibridge_meghna/>

The [[Indian Air Force|IAF]]'s operation was led by [[Group Captain]] [[Chandan Singh (Air Marshal)|Chandan Singh]] and utillised [[Mil Mi-4|Mi-4]] helicopters that had already been involved in the [[Battle of Sylhet|Sylhet air-lift]] on the night of 7 December. Through the night of 9 December, the IAF air-lifted the entire 311 Brigade. The first troops, numbering around six hundred were landed through the night of the 9th, immediately making contact with Pakistani troops north of Raipura. They however held their positions, with the IAF flying in reinforcements. Over the next 36 hours, over 110 sorties were flown. The Mi-4, which normally carried 14 troops, carried as many as 23 on board. The troops were initially airlifted to Raipura, south of the Ashuganj Bridge. At the same time as this operation was on, 73rd Brigade moved across Meghna on boats and riverine crafts.

After consolidating their positions at Raipura, the troops were helilifted to Narsingdi. After securing Narshingdi, Indian forces captured Daudkandi and Baidder Bazar on 14 and 15 December respectively, both with helicopter assault. From Narshingdi, the metalled road to Dhaka lay undefended for IV Corps to take.<ref name=Helibridge_meghna/>

==Aftermath==
The Pakistani Army had left the roads to Dhaka undefended moving their defences at the bridge-heads and defensive strong-points, expecting to hold the Indian Army at these positions long enough till the [[UN]] and international pressure halted the Indian advance. The '''Meghna Helibridge''' along with the '''[[Tangail Airdrop]]''' on 11 December ensured that these positions were by-passed, capturing the approaches to Dhaka. Moreover, the Pakistani garrison at Ashuganj was effectively put under [[siege]], facing the Indian Army at Brahmanbaria and at Raipura. The '''Tangail Airdrop''' a day later denied the Pakistani 93 Brigade the sanctuary of Dhaka. Dhaka now could only be defended by troops within the city.

==Popular culture==
[[Hindustan Ki Kasam]] a [[Hindi]] [[war movie]] directed by [[Chetan Anand (director)|Chetan Anand]] and released in 1973 was based on the incidents of ''Operation Cactus Lilly''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/top-10-films-on-indo-pak-conflict/videols/7824538.cms |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 March 2011 |access-date=28 July 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Timeline of the Bangladesh Liberation War]]
* [[Military plans of the Bangladesh Liberation War]]
* [[Mitro Bahini order of battle]]
* [[Pakistan Army order of battle, December 1971]]
* [[Evolution of Pakistan Eastern Command plan]]
* [[1971 Bangladesh genocide]]
* [[Operation Searchlight]]
* [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{1971 Indo-Pak War}}
{{Bangladesh Liberation War}}

{{Military of Pakistan}}
{{Brahmanbaria District}}
{{Narsingdi District}}

[[Category:Brahmanbaria District]]
[[Category:Narsingdi District]]
[[Category:Battles of Indo-Pakistani wars]]
[[Category:Battles of the Bangladesh Liberation War]]
[[Category:History of the Indian Air Force]]
[[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
[[Category:December 1971 events in Asia]]