Longewala – The Battleground Of Horrifying Indo-Pak War

Longewala is the site which has witnessed the horrifying Indo-Pak war of 1971. The Temple nearby has its own unique story to tell. Not located far from Jaisalmer, this border place attracts people from all over India. The war memorial pays tribute to our brave heroes who laid their lives for protecting us. 

Longewala

Longewala is a border place located in the Thar Desert just near the India-Pakistan Border. It is situated in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan District well known for being the Battleground of the 1971 War of India-Pakistan.

Longewala War of 1971

The Background of The War

On the night of 4 or 5th December 1971, a large Pakistan force infantry crossed the border without air cover in order to capture Ramgarh and neutralise the airfield at Jaisalmer. At that time, Jaisalmer was a princely state in the deserts of Rajasthan. 

On the evening of 4th December 1971, the Indian 12 Infantry Division was facing Pakistan’s 18 Infantry Division in the area of Rahimyar Khan in Pakistan. This was a military operation. Both sides came to the realisation that large-scale military operations can’t be conducted in the desert region of the North-Western sector.

Therefore, the Indian division planned to divert its bulk force from the Sadhewala-Tanot-Kishangarh area to capture Rahimyar Khan. They also decided to disrupt the rail-road link from Lahore to Karachi in order to capture Rahimyar Khan and defeat the Pakistan army.

The Pakistan army tried to pre-empt the Indian attack on Rahimyar Khan. So, an armoured infantry was sent towards the Reti-Longewala-Ramgarh-Jaisalmer axis so as to capture Ramgarh as well as neutralise the airfield at Jaisalmer.

Assumptions Made by Pakistani Army to Attack Indian Region

Pakistan’s intelligence ISI came to know about the Indian intentions of capturing Rahimyar Khan.

• So they assumed that since Indian commanders believed that large-scale military operations were not feasible in the Rajasthan desert, they would not face any significant opposition.
• Also, the Jaisalmer air base had not been war activated. Therefore no hostile air action was expected.
• Longewala was held by a BSF company that could be either bypassed or easily secured. In this way, Pakistan Army would easily protect the left flank of their advance. 

Troops Deployed by Pakistan Army for the above Operation

• 22 Cavalry (T-59),  38 Cavalry (Shermans) 51 Infantry Brigade were placed for defence within Pakistan territory. They were to effectively neutralise the mines placed around it.
• 206 Infantry Brigade to cover routes to Rahimyar Khan.
• One field regiment (25 pr), a mortar battery (120 mm) and later a medium battery (130 mm) were deployed near the Border.
• Air support by Pakistan Air Force. 

Pakistan Army’s Plan

The Pakistan Army’s plan was a three-step plan including:-

• The deployments were to march to the border from the concentration area south of Reti at night.
• Then the next night they were to advance to the assigned objectives.
• The next whole day Pakistan Air Force would provide air cover. 

Indian Army’s Retaliation and Plan

23 Punjab Regiment Alpha Company of 120 soldiers was deployed under the command of Major Kuldeep Sigh Chandpuri. On the night of 4th December 1971, a surveilling patrol party under Lt. Dharamveer heard some distant noises of Pakistani tanks in the Kharatar area of Sindh Province which is just opposite the Longewala.

He immediately reported to Major Chandpuri and Major reported to higher authorities. Higher Authorities gave the option to the company to leave the post but the company instead chose to stay.

Pakistan army sent 45 tanks and a full brigade consisting of about 3000 soldiers towards the Jaisalmer border to attack India. Pakistan launched a major attack with the 51 Infantry Brigade supported by a regiment of T-59 tanks and a squadron of M4 Sherman tanks.

Longewala is called the “Graveyard of Tanks”. 179 Pakistani soldiers died and were wounded along with 37 of the tanks being destroyed. 23rd Punjab Regiment was entangling the Pakistan army so that Air Force help could be sent in the morning.

At that time Indian Airforce did not have night-flying capable aircraft. The Indian Airforce at the dawn destroyed many tanks of the Pakistan Army. Two of the destroyed Army tanks of Pakistan are preserved in Longewala Smarak Sthal.

The Real Reason Behind The War

Officially declared by Pakistan on December 3, 1971, the main reason behind the Battle Of Longewala was to take avenge India for its prominent role played in the partition of Bangladesh. India gave its full support to the Mukti Vahini of Bangladesh which weakened the hold of Pakistan. Pakistan’s plan was to divide India’s attention towards the two borders, East and the West, and take the advantage of the situation. Following this plan of divide and rule Pakistan army attacked the Longewala Western flank.

Longewala Smarak Sthal (War Memorial)

Longewala Battle showed a responsible leadership example in the form of Major Chand Puri. Pakistan army’s plan was -“Breakfast in Longewala, Lunch in Ramgarh and Dinner in Jaisalmer.” This plan was thrashed into pieces by the integrity shown by the Indian Army.

How To Reach Longewala

Gamliwala Road leading to Longewala.

You can reach Longewala by taking a bus or private vehicle from Jaisalmer. Many tourists halt at Sam Dunes and from there visit Longewala. The road is not in very good condition but many stretches have been built recently. Many times, especially during summers, many sections of roadways get covered with sand making transit of vehicles difficult.

Longewala and Tanot Mata Temple

The local people and many Army men believe that the success of the Longewala Battle is because of the blessings of Tanot Mata. This temple witnessed both the 1965 and 1971 wars between India and Pakistan. It is said that many bombs were dropped in the vicinity of the area but not a single blast.

Know more about the miracles of Tanot Mata by clicking here.

Longewala and the Border

The Longewala border is not very far from Tanot. You have to compulsorily take permission at the Military Office. From here you can hire vehicles. They charge around Rs 1000. You can hire on a shared basis.

Drill exercise at Longewala border with Arjun tanks.

At the border fencing, you can see bottles hanging. The reason for this is that when one tries to intrude through the fencing, the bottles collide and the noise is taken as an alarm by the army personnel. This area is guarded by the BSF.

The fence seen is not the actual International Border. The actual Line of Control is five kilometres away. The first fence is a buffer zone i.e. a no man’s land between the main International Border to contain security and peace.

 The year 2021 saw the completion of 50 years of the Longewala Battle. The war and martyrs were prayed for by many distinguished leaders of our country. This place is a must-visit to pay homage to our brave soldiers and their valour.

You might note that the place is part of the border area and there are no cell phone towers of any private operators. The only network working is BSN  that too in some restricted pockets.

Longewala To Be on the Tourism Map

By an initiative of the Department of Tourism, the Government of Rajasthan and the Union Ministry of Tourism, with the support of Border Security Forces, the Tanot Mata temple, Kishangarh Fort, Longewala war memorial of the Desert region are to be mapped on the tourism map of India.

Longewala War Memorial Entry Fees and Timings

• Entry Fees

  • No Entry Fee

• Timings

  • Day	Timing
    Monday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Tuesday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Wednesday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Thursday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Friday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Sunday	8:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Address

  • Sadhawala, Longewala, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 335803, India

Bhairon Singh Rathore – Portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood movie ‘Border’

Lance Naik Bhairon Singh Rathore was a BSF veteran of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. His bravery at Rajasthan’s Longewala post was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood movie ‘Border’. He died in Jodhpur on 19 December 2022 at the age of 81.

How To Reach?

• By Road

  • Longewala war memorial is about 124km from Jaisalmer.
  • You can go first to Tanot via Ramgarh, a total distance of 121 km.
  • Then go to Longewala via Sadhewala which is 52km.
  • Then you can return via Ramgarh total distance of 124km taking about 2 hours 17 minutes.

• By Rail

  • Nearest Railway Station is Jaisalmer 124 km.
  • You can take cab or taxi to Longewala.

• By Air

  • Nearest Airport is Jaisalmer about 124 km.

Best Time To Visit

• Rajasthan has very hot summers.
• Therefore the best time to visit is in the winter to avoid the scorching sun and enjoy the fullest.

Nearby Places To Visit

• Tanot Mata Temple

  • There is a full-fledged Tanot temple complex with facilities like Amphitheatre, Children’s Activity Area, Cafeteria and other public conveniences.

  • Tanot Vijay Stambh /Tanot Victory Pillar is dedicated to the famous battle of Longewala.

• Ramgarh

  • Here is stationed the third largest television tower in the country.
  • It may be due to its strategic location close to the International Border which enables it to broadcast television signals across the border.

• Jaisalmer

  • Khaba Fort
    • Haunted and abandoned place near Jaisalmer.
  • Kuldhara
    • It is another abandoned place. Locals say that they have witnessed paranormal activities after sunset.
    • Therefore, the place closes after sunset.
    • It lies on the way going from Jaisalmer to Sam Sand Dunes.
  • Jaisalmer Golden Fort
    • It is the only living fort in India.
    • People actually live inside the fort.
  • Patwon Ki Haveli
  • Jaisalmer War Museum
  • Jain Temples inside the Jaisalmer Fort
  • Desert Culture Centre and Museum
    • Here you can witness the local puppetry shows and other Rajasthani folk art performances. 
  • Bada Bagh
    • Chhatris are the symbol of cenotaphs of the royal members of the princely state.
    • It includes the cenotaph of Sawai Jai Singh II.
    • This place is also called Bara Bagh.
    • It is a garden complex.
    • Just 6 kilometres north of Jaisalmer city.
  • Gadisar Sagar Lake
    • Here there are arrangements of light and show as well.
    • They depict the long history of Jaisalmer.
    • Boating facilities are also there.
  • Desert National Park
    • It houses many flora and fauna.
    • Including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustards.
    • It is the last remaining place for these big birds.
  • Vyas Chhatris
  • Desert Handicraft Emporium
  • Salim Singh Ki Haveli
  • Akal Wood Fossil Park
  • Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
  • Tazia Tower
    • The five-storeyed building was constructed in 1886 A.D.
    • Entry times are from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
    • There are no entry fees to visit the place.
  • Kothari’s Patwaon-Ki-Haveli

• Sam Sand Dunes

  • It is 118 km from Longewala and 40 km from Jaisalmer.
  • You can enjoy Desert Safari here.
  • Night stays in tents in the desert.
  • Traditional Rajasthani food with cultural performances performed by local artists.
  • Both Jeep and Camel Safari through the Desert National Park.
  • You must visit this place to enjoy the village life of the deserts.

FAQs

Editor’s Thought

The efforts to give a boost to border tourism will generate new opportunities for the residents of the remote villages of the Thar Desert. It will also promote the local folk artists to showcase their art through folk art performances as well as the local handicrafts artisans. If you are planning to visit Jaisalmer, please give yourself some time to visit the border area of India-Pakistan. 

For any questions feel free to drop in comments.

Have a Safe Yatra…