In the Eastern Sector, our troops are acting in concert with Mukti Bahini Under our pressure; the Pakistani occupying troops are falling back. The Jessore airfield was captured by us this morning. All areas west of Kaliganj have been cleared of Pak troops. The important highway from Mcherpur via Ghencla to Goalando Ghat ferry has been cut. In Hilli/Dinajpur area our troops are advancing towards the Rangpur-Bogra highway. Lalmonirhat, with its airfield, has been captured. The area north or Kurigram, Rangpur, Dinajpur is now free of occupying forces.
The hon. Members are aware of the capture of Akhaura two days ago. The strategic centres of Moulvi Bazar and Brahmanbaria are now surrounded. Feni was vacated by Pak troops yesterday: the forward elements of our troops are now racing towards the Chandpur Ferry.
In Bangladesh, the Pak Air Force has been virtually wiped out: our air supremacy in that area is complete. From the sea, installations of military value have been pounded around Chittagong, Chalna, Mangla and Khulna. All maritime connection between the occupying forces and West Pakistan has been severed. The hon. Members are aware of the daring operation carried out by the Indian Navy on the night of 4th and 5th December. Two Pakistan worships have been sunk and one is believed to have been seriously damaged. Our Naval Force penetrated within 15 miles of the Karachi harbor. Their bombardment has inflicted severe damage on the4 harbor installations and oil storage tanks. In the Bay of Bengal, the India Navy was able to sink one pak. submarine. The Eastern fleet is now operating off the Pak occupied coast in Bangladesh.
The three services are working on a highly integrated joint plain of operations. The efficiency with which these plans have been executed and the mutual support which one arm has provided to the other have been gratifying.
I have another matter to bring to the notice of the House about the tran port of some U.N. personnel by a U.N. aircraft. A safe conduct was given to a U.N. aircraft C-130 from 8 a.m. 1o 10 a. m. on December 6th. This could not be utilized by the U.N. At the request of the UN Representative in New Delhi, a safe conduct for U.N. aircraft was given for December 7th effective from 7 a. m, to 100 a.m. (IST). There have been no operations over the Dhaka arca since 10 p.m. last night. It has been reported from Dacca that a U.N. aircraft has been damaged over the Dacca airfield. The Air headquarters have confirmed that no Indian aircraft have been operating in that area up to time. The UNO have been advised to investigate in Dhaka in regard to the damage reported to have been inflicted their aircraft.
I would like on behalf of the Members to communicate to the Armed Forces the appreciation of the House for the valiant way in which they are defending the country and defeating the enemy.
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