1965: A WESTERN SUNRISE

By Kunal Verma

In the book "by Kunal Verma," the author delves into the historical events surrounding the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. This conflict took place in the aftermath of India's devastating war against China in 1962, as Pakistan sought to seize control of the disputed region of Kashmir. Verma provides a detailed account of the military maneuvers, strategies, and outcomes of this intense confrontation.The war began with Pakistan launching its first military probes into the Rann of Kutch between February and May. In response, India mobilized its troops and engaged in skirmishes with the Pakistani forces. However, under pressure from the United Nations, India eventually stood down its troops in the Punjab and Kargil sectors. This move was seen as a diplomatic concession, but it also allowed Pakistan to regroup and plan its next move.In August 1965, Pakistan launched "Operation Gibraltar" in Kashmir. This operation involved the covert deployment of nearly 12,000 trained mujahids in multiple groups, each named after historical plunderers of the subcontinent. Pakistan believed that it had superior military capabilities, including advanced tanks, fighter planes, and submarines, and expected India to collapse just as it had against China in NEFA three years earlier. However, India successfully repulsed the attack and cut off the entry and exit points into the Kashmir Valley by capturing the Haji Pir Bulge. Operation Gibraltar ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.Undeterred, Pakistan then initiated "Operation Grand Slam" in September 1965 in Chhamb and Jaurian. This offensive led to a counter-attack by India, and the focus of the conflict shifted to various sectors along the international border, including Lahore, Barki, Kasur, Fazilka, Sialkot, and Barmer. The war escalated rapidly, with both air forces becoming involved. Despite facing challenges such as reorganizing forces on the fly, lack of intelligence, obsolete equipment, and lackluster military leadership, the junior officers and men of the Indian armed forces displayed remarkable courage and resilience.The war ultimately ended in a stalemate, with neither side achieving a decisive victory. Official Indian figures state that the conflict resulted in a total of 12,714 casualties, including 2,763 killed, 8,444 wounded, and 1,507 missing. The book provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the war, the military strategies employed by both sides, and the experiences of the soldiers on the ground.Kunal Verma, the author of this book, is renowned for his expertise in military matters. He has previously produced acclaimed films on the Indian armed forces, including coverage of the Kargil War and documentaries on the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. Verma's illustrated books, such as "Tamil Nadu" and "The Northeast Trilogy," have also received high praise. His works, including "The Long Road to Siachen: The Question Why" and "1962: The War That Wasn't," are considered authoritative sources in the field of Indian military history.Published by Aleph Book Company in 2021, this paperback edition spans 576 pages and weighs 875 grams. While the book falls under the genre of military history, it also incorporates elements of narrative fiction. Although the technical information and HTML formatting have been excluded from this summary, the book covers a significant period in Indian history and is intended for a broad audience, including young adults and adults alike. As an Indian author, Kunal Verma offers a unique perspective on the events that unfolded during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965.