Second Battle of Belonia Bulge: Siege and Victories

The Second Battle of Belonia Bulge (July-October 1971) represented the pivotal phase of sustained siege warfare in the Belonia Bulge enclave during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Following the temporary Pakistani recapture after the First Battle in June, Mukti Bahini forces—primarily from Sector 2 under the newly raised 10th East Bengal Regiment led by Major (later Lt. Col.) Jafar Imam—launched prolonged encirclement operations.

Through covert infiltrations, defensive positions, and relentless pressure, guerrillas besieged Pakistani garrisons, leading to major setbacks for the occupation forces and the first significant surrenders.Reorganization and Launch of the SiegeAfter the June withdrawal, Major Jafar Imam regrouped in Tripura and raised the 10th East Bengal Regiment (nicknamed "Durdharsha Dosh" or Daring Ten) on October 10, 1971. The regiment's nucleus stemmed from earlier Bulge fighters.Operations resumed with renewed infiltrations, establishing siege lines around Pakistani positions in Parshuram, Belonia, and along the Muhuri River. Sector 1 forces supported eastern flanks, ensuring coordinated encirclement.Tactics focused on isolation: cutting supply routes, mining roads, and ambushing relief columns.The Prolonged SiegeFrom July to October:

Encirclement → Guerrillas infiltrated covertly, occupying high ground and river banks to surround garrisons.
Harassment → Constant raids, sniper fire, and mortar attacks depleted enemy ammunition and morale.
Blockade → Resupply attempts from Feni failed amid ambushes; Pakistani troops faced shortages.
Local Support → Civilians provided intelligence and sustenance, turning the Bulge into hostile territory for occupiers.

Pakistanis responded with artillery and airstrikes but could not break the siege due to guerrilla mobility.Victories and SurrendersThe siege culminated in decisive victories:

Pakistani forces, demoralized and isolated, began surrendering in pockets.
On November 10, 1971, a Pakistani captain and 72 soldiers raised white flags, formally surrendering to Mukti Bahini.
Major Jafar Imam hoisted the Bangladesh flag at Parshuram and Belonia; fighters and locals sang the national anthem "Amar Sonar Bangla" in celebration.

This marked one of the war's first major Pakistani surrenders to liberation forces alone.Significance of the Second BattleThe siege:

Delivered the "first major setback" to Pakistani occupation in the southeast.
Permanently liberated the Bulge by mid-November.
Tied down resources, weakening defenses toward Chittagong.
Boosted morale, proving sustained guerrilla pressure could force conventional surrender.

It bridged early infiltrations and the final December offensive.The Second Battle's sieges and victories turned the Belonia Bulge into a turning point for Sector 1's northern front.Joy Bangla! The prolonged siege of Belonia showcased Mukti Bahini's endurance and strategic triumph.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Second Battle Belonia Bulge, Siege Belonia 1971, Pakistani Surrender November 1971, Major Jafar Imam 10th East Bengal, Mukti Bahini Victories, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla