The untold saga of Tibetan soldiers' valor

In 1971, Chattogram emerged as a strategically crucial region owing to its significant attributes. Its seaport, proximity to the Myanmar border, rugged hills, dense forests, and collaboration with insurgent groups like the Mizos rendered it a pivotal location for the Pakistani Army. Consequently, Pakistan exerted considerable efforts to maintain control over this area during the conflict. Conversely, the freedom fighters were equally determined to seize this vital territory. Capturing or controlling Chattogram held immense significance for joint-force commanders, as it aimed to sever any potential contact with Myanmar, a region influenced by China.

In the annals of the liberation war, the Pancham Bahini, alongside regular and guerrilla forces, played a remarkable role in the capture of Chattogram. Despite their significant contributions and sacrifices, the efforts of these forces have often been overlooked and under-discussed in historical narratives. However, towards the war's conclusion, they proved instrumental in compelling the swift surrender of AK Niazi by seizing control of the strategic Arakan road.

The closure of this vital supply route with Myanmar left the Pakistani army with no alternative but to surrender, as their escape routes were effectively cut off. Comprising members of the Special Frontier Force, composed largely of Tibetan youths, the Fifth Army fought valiantly for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. They fought not only for their own cause but also for the freedom of others.

The bravery of these forces came at a heavy cost, with at least 50 soldiers martyred and around 200 seriously injured during the Bengali Liberation War. When these forces emerged from the hill jungles into the open in December, the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts were taken aback, likening their appearance to that of ghosts. Consequently, many refer to them as the Phantoms or Ghosts of Chittagong. Major General Sujan Singh Uban served as the chief architect of this renowned force, orchestrating their pivotal role in the liberation struggle.

SSF, Fifth Army and General SS Uban:
The birth history of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), also known as the Fifth Army, and the pivotal role played by General SS Uban can be traced back to a significant period in the mid-20th century. Following the consolidation of power by Communist leader Mao Tse-tung and the establishment of socialism in China in 1949, Beijing extended its influence into Tibet, historically known as the Roof of the World. Tibet, once an independent kingdom for centuries, faced the imposition of Chinese control through a controversial treaty.

Tensions escalated as China's quest for absolute dominance clashed with Tibetan resistance, leading to accusations of treaty violations and breaches of trust. In 1959, China launched a military invasion on Tibet, triggering widespread repression and cultural destruction under the guise of the Cultural Revolution. The Dalai Lama's government sought refuge in Dharamshala, India, as Tibetans faced persecution and sought sanctuary elsewhere.

Simultaneously, the nationalist fervor among Tibetan youth burgeoned, catalysed by the harsh realities of Chinese aggression and repression. Against this backdrop, the India-China war erupted in 1962, resulting in significant losses for India, particularly in clashes with Chinese forces. In response to these challenges, India and the United States collaborated to establish an army comprising Tibetan youth, culminating in the formation of the Special Frontier Force (SFF) on November 14, 1962. General SS Uban, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, was entrusted with the task of building and leading this force. With support from the United States, the SFF embarked on its journey under General Uban's guidance, marking a significant chapter in the history of Tibetan resistance and India's strategic defense initiatives.

Sujan Singh Uban, also known as SS Uban, was a highly skilled army officer with expertise in guerrilla warfare, honed through his commando training and service as a guerrilla fighter in the British Army during World War II. Renowned for his competence and experience, Uban played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Special Frontier Force (SFF) from its inception.

Under Uban's adept leadership, the SFF was meticulously crafted into a formidable force, with Dehradun serving as its primary training center. Despite initial plans to deploy the SFF against Chinese forces, the outbreak of the genocide in Bangladesh by Pakistan in 1971 altered the strategic landscape. The influx of refugees into India intensified, posing significant challenges to internal security.

In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made the decisive decision to mobilise the SFF for various operations related to the liberation war of Bangladesh. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Gandhi penned a letter to the Chief of Army Staff, urging active engagement and collaboration between the army and the SFF in support of the liberation efforts.  The Tibetan members of the Special Frontier Force (SFF) shared physical characteristics akin to the hill-dwelling Mizos. They possessed a robust physique suited for navigating rugged terrain and mountainous landscapes, which made them well-adapted to guerrilla warfare tactics. Moreover, their keen eyesight endowed them with exceptional observational skills, enabling them to discern threats and anticipate danger with remarkable accuracy.

Chittagong ghost adventure:
In the daring mission known as 'Operation Eagle,' led by Sujan Singh Uban, the Special Frontier Force (SFF) embarked on a decisive campaign in Bangladesh, particularly targeting Chittagong. Initiated in mid-October 1971, the operation unfolded in three strategic phases.

The first group of forces aimed to secure the southern Arakan highway, while the second group was tasked with controlling the Kaptai-Chittagong road. Simultaneously, the third contingent set out to capture the Rangamati-Chittagong road and encircle Chittagong. Collaborating with regular members of Mukti Bahini, including Sector-1, and fighters of Mujib Bahini, the combined force launched an offensive targeting the banks of the Karnaphuli River on October 11th.

Despite expectations of formidable Pakistani defenses, the SFF and their allies encountered minimal resistance, swiftly seizing control of the Karnaphuli riverbank. By the third week of November, strategic victories followed, including the capture of Barkal and Khagrachari, culminating in the complete annexation of Rangamati. However, these successes came at a cost, with over 20 Tibetan warriors sacrificing their lives in the conflict.

As the conflict reached its climax, the Indian military leadership issued a decisive directive on December 10th to close the Arakan Road, a crucial escape route for retreating Pakistani soldiers seeking refuge in Myanmar. In a coordinated assault, SFF and Mujib Bahini troops launched a devastating attack on Pakistani forces attempting to cross the Dohazari Bridge, leading to their stunned retreat and ultimate surrender under the relentless onslaught. This decisive victory marked a pivotal moment in the Liberation War, cementing the legacy of Operation Eagle as an extraordinary feat in military history.

After the surrender on December 16, Tibetan soldiers of the SFF emerged on the orders of General Uban, surprising the people of Chittagong with their well-armed presence. Their sudden appearance left the locals astounded, likening them to ghosts. However, General Uban did not maintain this force for an extended period. After some time, the Tibetan guerrillas returned to the jungle under the command of General Sam Manek Shaw.

The Indira Gandhi government bestowed special medals upon 580 soldiers of the Special Service Force (SSF) or Fifth Force for their remarkable contributions during Bangladesh's liberation war. Despite their significant role, their contributions in Bangladesh are not widely recognised. It is our historical duty to acknowledge the sacrifices and valor displayed by these foreign guerrillas who fought and laid down their lives in the Bangladesh war as if it were their own.

Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Jagannath University, Dhaka