Jamalpur District freed today

JAMALPUR, Dec 10: On December 11 in 1971, the freedom fighters (FFs) with the help of Indian soldiers freed the district from the clutches of Pakistani occupation forces.
On that day after 6 am, Jamalpur was formally declared enemy free area by hoisting first national flag atop WAPDA Rest House by Faizur Rahman, Company Commander of Sector No-11 in presence of Indian soldiers. During the nine-month long Liberation War, Pakistani occupation forces with the help of their local collaborators Razakars and Al badars let loose a reign of terror across the country including Jamalpur district.

The incidents of indiscriminate killings, looting and  raping were committed everyday in the district. They set ablaze villages rendering thousands of people shelter less. From early days of the war, people organised themselves to resist the Pakistani occupation forces from different fronts of the battle that still haunts the people of Jamalpur districts.

The FFs of Sector Number-11 had made a history to free Jamalpur zone. The fighting at Kamalpur, a border area, is one of the most important incidents in the history of the Liberation War. Pakistani war experts had  constructed thick concrete bunkers to combat the  FFs.

 On June 12 in 1971, the FFs attacked Kamalpur Camp first, on July 31 the second came and October 21, the third attacks were launched causing colossal loss to both the sides. After the attacks, 31 Baluch regiment was deployed in Kamalpur of Bakshiganj area.

The Headquarter of 31-Baluch Regiment was set up at Primary Teachers Institute (PTI) near Jamalpur town. Lieutenant Colonel Sultan Mahmud was the commander of the Baluch Regiment.
On July 17 in 1971, the Parpara Village and nearby other villagers (Sarishabari Upazila) confronted the Pakistani occupation forces. The villagers equipped with countrymade arms and weapons attacked them in the village.

In the face-to-face fighting,  Hazrat Ali, Rustom Ail, Bard Uddin, Zadhu Akanda, Neel mahmud Sarker, Salim Uddin Sarker, Khoka Mia, Ataur Rahman, Vola Mia, Mahan Uddin, Kala Chan Mia, Naher Uddin, Tayab Ali, Sayed Ali, Abdul Sattar, Intullah Majhi, Arbula Sheikh, Intu Muchhuilh, Khoka Ghosh, Zetendra Ghosh and many other people of the villages embraced martyrdom. In the strong resistance, the Pakistani forces retreated but set fire in the village. On September 25, 1971, Phooldaherpara Village under Sarishabari Upazila, in a sudden attack Pakistani army killed 52 people. Among them eight were  FFs.

Dhanua Kamalpur Camp was an important point for the both FFs and the Pakistan occupation forces.
 The Sector Commander Colonel Abu Taher had launched attack on the camp on November. Sector Commander Colonel Taher captured it, but he was wounded seriously and lost his one leg in the bloody conflict. Later, Wing Commander Hamidullah Khan Birprotik took the charge of Sector Commander.

 After 21-days of confinement on December 4, Pakistani soldiers gave up the battle and retreated to headquarter at Jamalpur town. At least 220 soldiers of Pakistani troops and 12 FFs including Captain Salauddin were killed in the Kamalpur battle field.

After breakdown of Kamalpur Camp, Baluch Battalion retreated to Jamalpur headquarters and made resistance against the FFs, but Lieutenant Colonel Sultan Mahmud compelled them to decamp Jamalpur to Dhanua Kamalpur with 200 troops at night. At dawn Pakistani troops were defeated and Jamalpur became free. A total of 235 Pakistani army died, 23 injured and 61 captive in the battle. The second in Command of 51 Baluch Regiment surrendered with 376 soldiers to the FFs in their headquarters.
On the other hand, 10 soldiers of Maratha Light Infantry and one soldier of 13 Guard Regiment of India were killed during the battle of Jamalpur.