Battle of Batapur

Battle of Batapur
Part of Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
The Batapur Monument stands as a tribute to those who fought in the battle.
Date September 6, 1965 Location Batapur, near Lahore, Pakistan Result Pakistani victory
Belligerents
Pakistan  Pakistan Army	India  Indian Army
Commanders and leaders
Lt. Col. Aab Ahmed Khan	Major General Niranjan Prasad
Units involved
3 Baloch Regiment, 4 Engineers Battalion, 23rd Cavalry Regiment	15 Infantry Division, C Squadron 14 Horse, 3 Jat Regiment
Strength
Unknown	Infantry division, tank regiment with Sherman tanks
Casualties and losses
Unknown	4 tanks destroyed, other losses unknown

The Battle of Batapur was an engagement during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, fought on September 6, 1965, at Batapur, a town near Lahore, Pakistan. The battle was part of the larger conflict between Pakistan and India. It resulted in a victory for Pakistan, with the Indian forces retreating after fierce resistance from the Pakistani 3 Baloch Regiment, 4 Engineers Battalion, and 23rd Cavalry Regiment.

Batapur is a town near Lahore, known for the Bata shoe factory. It holds strategic importance due to its proximity to Lahore, particularly the Allama Iqbal International Airport, located just 20 minutes away via the Lahore Ring Road. The town was heavily impacted during both the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971.^[1]

On September 6, 1965, the Indian 15 Infantry Division, under Major General Niranjan Prasad, crossed the international border and advanced toward Lahore. The advancing Indian forces, supported by a tank regiment equipped with Sherman tanks, faced resistance from the Pakistani 3 Baloch Regiment.^[2]

The battle commenced as Indian forces reached the BRB Link Canal, where the Pakistani forces had prepared defenses. Engineers began demolition work on the Batapur Bridge, but they were short on explosives. Despite initial setbacks, Pakistani forces, including 3 Baloch, managed to hold off the Indian advance and prevent them from crossing the canal.

The 23rd Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Amin Mughal, rushed to block the Indian advance with an infantry company and a reconnaissance and support company (R&S). The squadron arrived at the bridge at 11:30 AM. In their first engagement, two Pakistani tanks, including the one commanded by the squadron leader, were hit. Despite these losses, the squadron and recoilless rifles kept the Indian forces at bay, destroying two Indian tanks in the process.^[3]

Frantic efforts by Pakistani engineers, led by Major Aftab, to demolish the Batapur Bridge succeeded by dawn the next day using improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Indian forces, whose advance lacked vigor and suffered repeated setbacks, ultimately retreated. The failure of the Indian advance led to the dismissal of their divisional commander.^[4]

The battle resulted in a Pakistani victory, as the Indian forces were unable to secure a foothold across the BRB Link Canal. This success helped safeguard the defense of Lahore and led to subsequent engagements, including the Battle of Ichogil Bund.^[5]

The Batapur Monument, located east of Lahore where the BRB Link Canal intersects GT Road, stands as a tribute to those who fought and died in the battle.^[6]