Pakistani Counterattacks on Belonia in June 1971

The Pakistani counterattacks on the Belonia Bulge in June 1971 marked a fierce response to the Mukti Bahini's daring infiltration at the start of the month. After freedom fighters under Captain Jafar Imam (Sector 2, with Sector 1 support) successfully entered and partially liberated the enclave on June 1, Pakistani forces mobilized heavy reinforcements to reclaim this strategically vital salient.

These counteroffensives tested the guerrillas' resolve, forcing a tactical withdrawal but inflicting significant losses on the enemy and gaining invaluable experience for future battles.The Initial Mukti Bahini SuccessOn June 1, 1971, four companies covertly crossed from Tripura, overrunning lightly defended positions. They advanced rapidly, liberating parts of Parshuram, Belonia, and areas along the Muhuri River.The goal: secure the Bulge as a base for the provisional Bangladesh government and disrupt Pakistani logistics on the Dhaka-Chittagong route.Local civilians welcomed the fighters, boosting morale and providing support.Pakistani Response and CounterattacksAlarmed by the loss, Pakistani command viewed the Bulge's fall as unacceptable. Reinforcements—including infantry, artillery, and air support—poured in from Feni and Chittagong.Counterattacks began shortly after, intensifying mid-June:

Heavy Artillery and Airstrikes — Barrages targeted Mukti Bahini positions; Sabre jets strafed suspected areas.
Infantry Assaults — Multiple waves attempted encirclement, pressing from western and southern approaches.
Siege Tactics — Efforts to cut resupply routes from Tripura, aiming to starve defenders.

Outnumbered and facing superior firepower, Mukti Bahini repulsed initial probes but sustained pressure mounted.Mukti Bahini Defense and WithdrawalDefenders employed guerrilla tactics:

Ambushes on advancing columns.
Defensive positions along river banks and high ground.
Night counterstrikes to disrupt enemy consolidation.

Combined Sector 1 and 2 forces coordinated resistance, with Sector 1 elements sealing eastern flanks.By late June (around June 19-21), ammunition shortages and relentless assaults forced a planned withdrawal back across the border.The retreat preserved manpower while capturing arms and intelligence.Costs and LessonsPakistani forces suffered heavy casualties—far exceeding Mukti Bahini losses—exposing vulnerabilities in the salient.The operation provided combat seasoning, refining infiltration and defense tactics used in later battles.It forced Pakistanis to commit resources early, weakening other fronts.Legacy of the June CounterattacksThough the Bulge was temporarily relinquished, the engagement delayed Pakistani consolidation and inspired sustained campaigns. It set the stage for the second and third battles, culminating in permanent liberation in November 1971.The June counterattacks highlighted Mukti Bahini's growing threat, shifting the war from scattered resistance to organized territorial challenges.Joy Bangla! The defiance against June's onslaughts forged the path to Belonia's ultimate victory.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Pakistani Counterattacks Belonia June 1971, First Battle Belonia Bulge, Captain Jafar Imam, Mukti Bahini Defense, Sector 1-2 Coordination, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla