
04/07/2025
Coming Soon
Buk-Ant War Literature Series
• Title: Battle of Chhamb 1971: 5 Assam Regiment Blunts Pakistan’s Juggernaut with Fire & Fury
• Author: Colonel Mani K Gahatraj (Veteran)
• Genre: Non-Fiction
• Language: English
• Edition: 1
• Editor: Nimu Rai.
• Cover Illustration: Akanksha Rai & Sripana Chhetri.
• Graphic & Cover Design: Roshan Tamang
• Size: 5.5 inch × 8.5 inch
• No. of Pages: 288
• MRP: ₹500/-
• ISBN: 978-81-980721-6-0
• BSIN: BA-EH-04-2025-07
Published by Buk-Ant Publication House | Printed in Delhi, India.
--
# Summary of the Book:
Summary of the Battle of Chhamb-1971: The book recounts the heroic stand of the 5 Assam Regiment during the Battle of Chhamb in the Indo-Pakistan War 1971. This battle was a crucial engagement in the war, showcasing the tenacity and courage of the battalion as they faced the overwhelming offensive by Pakistan’s 23 Infantry Division.
The Strategic Context: In December 1971, 5 Assam Regiment, part of the 191 Infantry Brigade, was initially assigned to establish a firm base for the 10 Infantry Division’s offensive against Pakistan in Chhamb Sector.
However, in an unexpected turn, the offensive plan was cancelled at the last minute. Instead, 191 Infantry Brigade, was ordered to hold a defensive position, as such 5 Assam Regiment, the central battalion of the firm base, was therefore forced to convert the firm base into a defensive position and hold its ground against Pakistan’s 23 Infantry Division, which launched a well-coordinated assault with heavy artillery, armour, and air support. Over three days and nights, the battalion successfully repelled multiple Pakistani attacks, inflicting severe casualties on the enemy.
However, due to shortage of ammunition, lack of reinforcements, and intense enemy attacks, the higher command eventually ordered a strategic withdrawal to Munawar Tawi’s eastern bank. The stand of the 5 Assam Regiment provided critical time for the 10 Infantry Division to establish a second line of defense East of Munawar Tawi, preventing Pakistan from establishing a strategic bridgehead and advancing toward Akhnoor.
The Battle-A Fierce Defense: The battle began on 3rd December 1971 when Pakistan’s 23 Division launched its offensive. The Pakistani plan aimed to break through Indian defences and establish a foothold east of Munawar Tawi by first light on 4th December. However, they encountered fierce resistance from the 191 Infantry Brigade and 5 Assam Regiment which fought with utmost resilience.
Personal Accounts and Historical Context-The book is based on:
• First-hand eyewitness accounts of the battle by the author.
• Official military records.
• The author’s own experience, as he was wounded during the battle.
• The book provides insights into:
- 5 Assam Regiment’s history since its formation in 1963.
- The background of soldiers from India’s North East.
- India’s geopolitical situation leading up to the war.
- The broader significance of the Battle of Chhamb in the 1971 war.
- Themes of Bravery, Sacrifice, and Leadership.
# The Book :
• The indomitable spirit of the Assam Regiment soldiers.
• Acts of personal valour and sacrifice in the face of extreme adversity.
• The role of junior leadership, which played a crucial part in holding the defense for three days.
Despite being the first casualty of the battle, Colonel Mani K Gahatraj, the author, provides a deeply personal and well-researched account of the engagement. He combines his own experiences with insights from surviving veterans to paint a vivid picture of the intensity of the battle.
Lessons and Military Strategy - The Book Analyses:
• Tactical aspects of infantry battles in defence.
• Challenges faced in defensive warfare against a numerically and logistically superior enemy.
• Key takeaways for future military planning and junior leadership in combat situations.
Book Structure: The book follows a chronological and analytical format, that include -
Prologue A personal flashback from the author.
• Chapter 1: 5 Assam Regiment’s origins, geography, and the soldiers of North East India.
• Chapter 2: Geopolitical context, India’s war decision, and military buildup.
• Chapter 3: A detailed account of the three-day battle.
• Chapter 4: Personal battle experiences of surviving veterans.
Epilogue Casualties and key lessons learned for future military strategies.
and Target Audience:
The book is a must-read for military history enthusiasts, defense personnel, and scholars as the book includes:
• Eyewitness battle narratives at the company and platoon levels.
• Human stories of bravery, loss, and camaraderie.
• Tactical and strategic analysis of the battle.
• Historical context and battle maps.
:
The Battle of Chhamb-1971 stands as a testament to the resilience, courage, and sacrifice of 5 Assam Regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Inter alia, the heroic resistance of the battalion prevented Pakistan from achieving its strategic objectives and contributed significantly to India’s overall victory in the 1971 war.
The book serves both as tribute to the brave soldiers and a crucial historical document for military studies.
--
# About the Author:
Born in Kalimpong, Colonel Mani K Gahatraj is a seasoned writer and a passionate traveller. He has been penning his thoughts on travel, military history, geopolitics and contemporary issues for over two and a half decades. His four widely acclaimed books are Wandering along the Himalayan Foot Hills & Beyond, Wandering in the Mist of the East, The Indomitable Rhino Warriors of India’s North East - History of the Assam Regiment, co-authored with Lieutenant General JR Mukherjee, and Flash Point Galwan - Stone Age Clashes to Multidimensional Unrestricted Warfare, co-authored with Lieutenant Colonel Kaushik Sircar.
A Bronze medallist of the Army Cadet College, an alumnus of Indian Military Academy and Army War College, and a postgraduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the author has had an illustrious military career, serving as a commando instructor, commanding an infantry battalion, and later as Director at Army Headquarters. He was in the thick of 1965 Indo Pak War as a Sepoy and wounded in the Battle of Chhamb in 1971 Indo Pak War as a young officer.
The author has traversed the length and breadth of India, as well as Afghanistan, Middle East and South East Asia besides neighbouring countries of Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan. His solo journey of 40 days across the American hinterland in 2017, is a testament to his adventurous spirit.
Colonel Gahatraj resides in Siliguri with his wife Rina, and continues to follow his interests in travel, reading, writing, music, golf and cooking.
--