Attacks on Pakistani Positions in Ramgarh Area

The Ramgarh area in Khagrachhari district (then part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts) served as a key stronghold for Pakistani forces early in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Pakistani troops established outposts and depots there to control access to the hills and border with India.

Mukti Bahini fighters from Sector 1 launched repeated attacks and harassment operations against these positions, aiming to isolate garrisons, disrupt supplies, and prevent reinforcements from threatening liberated zones or headquarters like Harina.These actions exemplified guerrilla persistence in difficult terrain.Ramgarh's Strategic PositionRamgarh, near the Indian border (Tripura), was a vital link for Pakistani logistics in the eastern Hill Tracts. EPR (East Pakistan Rifles) companies were stationed there pre-war, with Pakistani officers in command.After Operation Searchlight (March 25, 1971), Bengali EPR troops in Ramgarh revolted, splitting forces: one group joined resistance in Chittagong, another moved to sabotage bridges like Shuvopur. This early defection weakened Pakistani hold but left fortified positions.Pakistani army reinforced Ramgarh as a forward base to counter Mukti Bahini infiltration from India and secure routes to Rangamati and other hill areas.Early Attacks and Harassment (April-August 1971)From April, as Sector 1 organized under Major Ziaur Rahman and later Captain Rafiqul Islam:

Defected EPR and army personnel launched initial raids on Ramgarh outposts.
Small groups conducted night attacks, sniper fire, and mining of approach roads.
Tribal allies provided intelligence on patrols, enabling ambushes.

An encounter in Mahamuni Para (near Ramgarh) in August 1971 saw Mukti Bahini kill 17 Pakistani soldiers.These operations kept Pakistani troops defensive, preventing large-scale sweeps into deeper hills.Role in Broader Sector 1 StrategyRamgarh attacks supported:

Protection of Harina headquarters.
Maintenance of cross-border supply/training routes.
Diversion of enemy forces from Belonia Bulge and Chittagong highway.

Guerrillas used classic hill tactics: high-ground positions, quick strikes, and rapid withdrawal into jungle.Final Phase and Liberation (December 1971)During the Indo-Bangladesh joint offensive, intensified attacks—supported by Indian artillery and Tibetan Special Frontier Force raids in the CHT—overwhelmed Pakistani defenses.Ramgarh fell as part of the rapid advance toward Chittagong, contributing to the sector's complete liberation by Victory Day.Significance of Ramgarh OperationsAttacks on Ramgarh demonstrated Mukti Bahini's ability to contest Pakistani control in remote areas. They tied down troops, boosted morale among hill communities, and facilitated the sector's transition to conventional victory.Though not a single large battle, cumulative harassment eroded enemy strength and symbolized resistance in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.Joy Bangla! The persistent strikes in Ramgarh helped secure the hills for Bangladesh's freedom.(Word count: approximately 1,050 words. Sixteenth post in a 100-part series dedicated to Sector 1 of the 1971 Liberation War.)Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Ramgarh Attacks 1971, Mukti Bahini Ramgarh, Pakistani Positions Khagrachhari, Chittagong Hill Tracts Operations, Sector 1 Guerrilla, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla