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Airborne Chariots in action at Sylhet
The first ever Heliborne Operation in Indian history.

Dec 08, Agartala: According to reports received, Indian Army troops have completed an airborne operation helilifting troops for the first time in our History.

A Battallion of troops have been helilifted to the outskirts of Sylhet in an attempt to hasten its fall. Yesterday, information was recieved that Pakistani troopswere withdrawing from Sylhet. The corps commander Lt Gen Sagat Singh felt that helilifting troops to Sylhet would hasten the capture of this important town and accordingly he discussed with the Local divisional commander, Maj Gen K V Krishna Rao, GOC 8 Mtn Div.

Nine Mi-4 Helicopters were made available to the Division and Group Captain Chandan Singh of the IAF arrived to coordinate the plans. 4/5 Gorkha Rifles battallion under Lt Col A B Harolikar was chosen. This unit was then under 59 Brigade (Brig Quinn).

Brig Quinn, Gp Capt Chandan Singh and Lt Col Haroikar flew to Sylhet yesterday evening and selected a landing ground near Mirapara. Almost immediately the Heli operation began and soon our troops had were able to secure the area's

Mi-4 helicopters disgorging troops in the Sylhet area.

bridge, stadium and Circuit house.

By 1800 Hours almost a company was helilifted to Sylhet. The enemy started firing at our helicopters and was suitably dealt with armed helicopters flying escort to the troop carrying helis.

The helilift of the entire battallion was completed by 0800 Hours today morning. In addition another platoon of troops and two artillery guns were flown in.

However initial reports on the withdrawal of enemy turned out to be incorrect. It was found that a Brigade's strength of enemy troops were still in Sylhet. They made an attempt to probe our troop positions and were mauled badly.

It was decided to maintain the foothold we had achieved as a firm base and stick to the present postion as trying to take new objectives is out of the question.

Senior commanders of the Indian Army discussing the Sylhet operations. 4th from right in the rear is Maj Gen K V Krishna Rao. 3rd from right is Brig Quinn

Troops of E Sector or 59 Brigade has resumed thier advance to do a link up with the helidropped battallion. It is still not clear as to what the plan of action among Indian troops is.

It goes without saying that the troops now at Sylhet will be a thorn in the enemy's side. The Pakistani troops will have to look over thier shoulders while fighting against the frontlines elsewhere.