In the annals of the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the valour and courage of Captain Ahsan Malik stand out as an indomitable example of unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
Leading a small contingent of 70 soldiers, semi-trained Rangers, and volunteers, Captain Malik defended the outpost in Kamalpur, East Pakistan, against the onslaught of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini terrorists.
Brigadier Hardev Singh, spearheading the Indian forces' offensive from Assam, faced a formidable challenge at Kamalpur.
Despite possessing heavy artillery and the support of the Indian Air Force, Singh encountered Captain Ahsan Malik's resolute defence.
A mere three mortars and a scant supply of arms and ammunition were all that Malik had at his disposal.
The first clash occurred on October 22, 1971, when Indian soldiers, accompanied by Mukti Bahini terrorists, attacked the outpost.
Remarkably, Captain Ahsan Malik's resourcefulness and strategic acumen led to the defeat of the Indian forces, who retreated leaving nine dead bodies behind.
Undeterred, Brigadier Hardev Singh revised his tactics and besieged the outpost once more. Employing heavy artillery bombardment, Singh aimed to exert psychological pressure on the Pakistani troops, forcing them into submission.
However, Captain Ahsan Malik and his men stood steadfast, resilient in the face of adversity.
On November 21, 1971, the Indian Army launched a full-scale attack, but Captain Ahsan Malik's defences held firm.
The following morning revealed 28 dead bodies surrounding the outpost, including that of an Indian captain.
Despite dwindling ammunition and successive attacks, Captain Malik's resolve remained unshaken.
As the Indian Army continued its assaults, Captain Ahsan Malik displayed unparalleled fortitude.
By the end of two weeks of intense fighting, his forces were left with meagre supplies—75 bullets per rifle, 200 rounds for each light machine gun, and 22 mortar shells per soldier.
In a testament to Captain Ahsan Malik's unyielding spirit, the Indian Army sent three messages urging surrender through the raising of the white flag.
Each time, Captain Malik responded defiantly, replying with a barrage of bullets. His unwavering faith in the face of repeated attacks showcased that the enemy's forces were no match for the strength derived from conviction.
The pinnacle of Captain Ahsan Malik's resistance came on November 30, 1971, when the Indian Army launched a major assault on Kamalpur.
Malik strategically allowed the enemy to approach before opening fire, leading to the repulsion of the attack and the retreat of the Indian forces, leaving 20 dead bodies in their wake.
Captain Ahsan Malik's heroic stand in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and bravery exhibited by the Pakistani forces during that tumultuous period in history.
