The year 1971 stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The conflict that ensued between East and West Pakistan culminated in the creation of an independent Bangladesh, but the price was high—marked by immense bloodshed, human suffering, and a struggle for survival. One of the significant yet underrepresented forces in this saga of resistance was the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), a paramilitary force consisting of personnel recruited from East Pakistan. Within the EPR, the role of its company commanders—the Subedars—was instrumental during the initial phase of resistance following the infamous "Operation Searchlight" crackdown by the Pakistani military on March 25th, 1971.
In this chapter, we explore the contributions, actions, and impact of the EPR’s Subedars in the early days of the resistance. We delve into their leadership, courage, and tactical acumen, which enabled them to stand up against overwhelming odds and lay the groundwork for what would become a broader struggle for liberation.
#### 5.1 Historical Context: Operation Searchlight and the Outbreak of Violence
Operation Searchlight was a military operation conducted by the Pakistani Army to quell the growing calls for autonomy in East Pakistan. On the night of March 25th, 1971, the Pakistani military initiated a brutal crackdown in Dhaka, targeting civilians, political leaders, and university students. The operation aimed to suppress the rising nationalist sentiment and eliminate resistance elements within East Pakistan.
However, this violent crackdown only served to ignite widespread resistance across the region. Amid the chaos, the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), previously considered a loyal component of the Pakistani military structure, became one of the first organized forces to stand against the aggression of the West Pakistani forces. The EPR Subedars, who were predominantly of Bengali origin, found themselves in a precarious position—torn between loyalty to the state and allegiance to their people. This dichotomy set the stage for the pivotal role they would play in the initial phase of resistance.
#### 5.2 Composition and Structure of the East Pakistan Rifles
The East Pakistan Rifles, established in the colonial era as the Eastern Frontier Rifles, was a paramilitary force tasked with border security, internal security duties, and anti-smuggling operations. The EPR was structured similarly to a regular infantry force, with each company commanded by a Subedar, who was a senior non-commissioned officer. These Subedars were typically seasoned veterans with extensive experience in border skirmishes and counter-insurgency operations.
The EPR was divided into several battalions stationed across East Pakistan, with companies deployed at various strategic locations along the borders. Each company had its own operational area, with the Subedar responsible for maintaining discipline, managing personnel, and ensuring the security of their respective sectors. This organizational structure allowed the Subedars to wield considerable influence and autonomy in the field, making them key figures during the initial resistance.
#### 5.3 The Subedars: Leadership in the Face of Adversity
As company commanders, the Subedars of the EPR were crucial in maintaining morale and operational effectiveness during the tumultuous days following the March 25th crackdown. Most of the Subedars were Bengali, and they faced a profound ethical dilemma—either to follow the orders of the central command, which was increasingly seen as oppressive, or to stand with their fellow Bengalis who were suffering under the military’s brutal actions.
The initial response of the EPR Subedars varied across different regions. In some areas, the Subedars openly defied orders from their superiors of West Pakistani origin and took up arms in defense of their local populations. In other instances, the Subedars initially attempted to maintain neutrality, hoping to avoid a direct confrontation. However, as reports of mass killings, rapes, and indiscriminate shelling spread, it became clear that neutrality was no longer an option.
One of the earliest instances of resistance occurred in border areas like Chuadanga, Sylhet, and Dinajpur. In these regions, the EPR Subedars, despite being outgunned and outnumbered, organized their troops to fend off attacks from the regular army units that were advancing to crush resistance. The Subedars used their knowledge of the local terrain and their experience in guerilla tactics to launch surprise attacks, ambushes, and sabotage missions against the Pakistani forces.
#### 5.4 Tactical Engagements and Early Successes
The effectiveness of the EPR during the initial phase of resistance can be attributed to the strategic acumen and bravery of its Subedars. Their intimate knowledge of the local terrain gave them a distinct advantage in skirmishes with the Pakistani Army. Furthermore, many of the EPR units were stationed along the border with India, allowing them to establish contact with Indian forces and seek assistance in the form of arms, ammunition, and sanctuary for retreating fighters.
In the district of Jessore, for example, Subedar Hassan played a pivotal role in leading the local EPR company against the advancing Pakistani forces. His tactical ingenuity in organizing ambushes and hit-and-run attacks disrupted the enemy’s supply lines and communication channels, delaying their advance and allowing the civilian population to evacuate to safer areas.
Similarly, in Sylhet, Subedar Fazlu HaqueChowdhury organized his company to defend key bridges and choke points, effectively stalling the Pakistani Army’s attempt to penetrate deeper into the region. By destroying bridges and blocking key routes, Subedar Fazlu Haque Chowdhury , Subedar B.R Chowdhury and Subedar Nasibur Rahman Laskar forces managed to inflict significant losses on the enemy and inspire other EPR units to join the resistance.
In Dinajpur, Subedar Major A. Rob took command of his company and led a night assault on a Pakistani military convoy. His unit’s guerrilla tactics—utilizing the dense forests and riverine terrain—caused heavy casualties to the enemy and forced them to retreat temporarily. These early successes, though small in scale, were critical in boosting the morale of the resistance fighters and demonstrating the resolve of the Bengali people to fight back against the occupation forces.
#### 5.5 Challenges and Sacrifices
Despite these initial successes, the EPR Subedars and their companies faced tremendous challenges. They were often cut off from communication with other resistance groups, and many units were severely under-resourced. The Pakistani Army, equipped with heavy artillery, tanks, and air support, far outmatched the EPR in terms of firepower.
The Subedars also had to contend with internal divisions. Not all members of the EPR were Bengalis; some were Biharis and West Pakistanis who remained loyal to the central government. These internal dynamics led to cases of mutiny and sabotage within the EPR ranks. There were instances where loyalist forces turned against their own comrades, resulting in tragic confrontations that further strained the resistance effort.
One of the most harrowing instances occurred at the EPR headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka. Subedar Major Noorul Amin, a respected leader within the EPR, was killed while trying to defend his men against a surprise attack by the Pakistani Army. His death marked a significant blow to the morale of the resistance fighters in Dhaka, but it also fueled a sense of martyrdom and a deeper resolve among the surviving Subedars to continue the fight.
#### 5.6 Legacy of the EPR Subedars in the War of Liberation
The role of the EPR Subedars in the first phase of resistance following the March 25th crackdown laid the foundation for a broader armed struggle. Their courage, tactical expertise, and ability to inspire their men were crucial in the early days when the resistance was still fragmented and vulnerable. Many of these Subedars later joined the Mukti Bahini, the guerrilla force that became the backbone of the Bangladeshi liberation movement.
The legacy of the EPR Subedars is one of leadership under fire and loyalty to their people in the face of overwhelming odds. Their actions in the initial days of the conflict prevented the Pakistani Army from achieving a swift victory and gave the resistance time to organize, regroup, and prepare for a protracted war of liberation.
#### 5.7 Conclusion
The East Pakistan Rifles and its Subedars played an indelible role in the first phase of resistance during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Through their bravery, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence, these company commanders set an example that would resonate throughout the conflict. The stories of Subedars' remind us of the human element in warfare—of individuals making critical decisions in moments of crisis that shape the course of history.
Their legacy lives on in the memory of an independent Bangladesh, as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who stood against tyranny and fought for freedom, often at the cost of their own lives.
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