Page 2 - ch 18

Module - V India-Pakistan War-1965

Major Wars Post
18.1.1 Rann of Kutch
Independence
Like other states Kutch was also a princely State in India. The marshy land of Rann of
Kutch is part of Gujarat. The Pakistani Government claimed some 9000 square
kilometers of the Rann of Kutch as being part of the province of Sindh. In 1956, the
Indian government established a security post in order to stop the possible infiltration
by Pakistanis. Following this, the Pakistani Government protested and expressed the
Note desire to have a peaceful solution to the problem. By 1960, several rounds of talks
were held between India and Pakistan in this regard. But all of them failed.

Map 18.1: Rann of Kutch

What happened in the Rann of Kutch in 1965?

1) In Jan 1965 Pakistan sent its troops into the Rann of Kutch and established a
track of 20 miles. They also set up a post at a place called Kanjerkote.
Subsequently Pakistan was often aggressive in this area by firing mortars and
artillery guns. A forward post was established by CRPF in the border and was
called Sardar Post. This post saw heavy attacks by the Pakistani army but was
always beaten back. They suffered heavy casualties too. India referred the matter
to the United Nations (UN). A protest was also lodged with the Pakistan
government.

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MILITARY HISTORY