'Ceasefire will happen soon'; prediction by 'Pattalam' Shamsudeen who fought against Pakistan in '65' and '71'

KOCHI: ''India's victory celebration will happen soon." - 'Pattalam 'Shamsudeen' told Kerala Kaumudi yesterday morning. ''If the ceasefire had not been declared, Pakistan would have been finished in 1971 itself..." said Shamsudeen, who participated in the wars against Pakistan in 1965 and '71. Although Shamsudeen, who lives in Thodupuzha's Fauzia Manzil, is 83 years old, his memories and spirit have not faded.

Shamsudeen was a sepoy and driver of the 9th Engineer Regiment, which was at the forefront of the 'Battle of Basantar' in 1971. The mission of the Engineer Regiment was to pave the way for Patton tanks and anti-tank vehicles to advance across the border in Poonch. The risk was the minefields of Pakistan, which had been planted with landmines.

The war began on December 3. Under the leadership of Major Vijayratan Chowdhury, the path for the advance was prepared at the risk of everyone's life. The Basantar River valley was reached within 10 days. On the 17th, when the group came out of the bunker, there was shelling. Major Chowdhury, Captain Ravindernath Gupta, and Major S.S. Mallick were martyred, along with about five soldiers, including Subedar Karunakaran from Palakkad. The group continued to advance despite losing its men. Meanwhile, Pakistan expressed its willingness to surrender. Within hours, India declared a ceasefire.

Some of the areas captured that day were later ceded. Major Chaudhary was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra. Shamsuddin retired in 1978 with six army medals, including the Sangram for war heroes of '71. In 2021, he participated in the 50th war jubilee held in Allahabad at the invitation of the army. He received the shield. It was also a pleasure to meet some of his colleagues. His wife is Rafiyat Biwi. Children: Naushad, Nizamuddin, Bindu.

Returned with a Quran

Shamsuddin's birthplace is Charummood in Alappuzha. He joined the army at the age of 20 with enthusiasm during the China war. He is nicknamed "Pattalam Shamsukka" both at home and in Thodupuzha. Shamsu was among those who celebrated India's victory on Pakistani soil in '71. He returned with the Quran from there.