54th Chhamb Battle Honour Celebration Day Observed

Aizawl, December 2025 :Today, the Ex-Fighting Fifth Association (EFFA) observed the 54th anniversary of the Battle Honour of Chhamb, which was awarded to the 5 Assam Regiment for its gallantry in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, at KV Paradise, Durtlang. The programme was attended by Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga, MLA and also President of the Mizoram Ex-Service League, as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga said that it was a proud moment to once again commemorate the award of the Battle Honour of Chhamb to the 5 Assam Regiment for their supreme sacrifice for the nation during the Battle of Chhamb in 1971. He stated that had Pakistan succeeded in its plans during the Battle of Chhamb, it could have posed a serious threat to India. He also said that this battle holds a very significant place in the history of India’s Armed Forces as well as in politics. Because of this, the Government of India conferred the Battle Honour of Chhamb-71, and along with it, the Theatre Honour of Jammu and Kashmir.

The 5 Assam Regiment fought the Pakistani forces in the Chhamb Sector during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. It was one of the four battalions under the 191 Infantry Brigade. At that time, Pakistan’s plan was to launch a sudden and massive attack on the position held by the 5 Assam Regiment. On the night of 4th December 1971, they captured the concrete bridge over the Manavartavi River (which now marks the India–Pakistan boundary) and from there planned to swiftly advance toward and capture the Akhnoor Bridge and Akhnoor town before Indian forces could consolidate their defences.

To carry out this operation, Pakistan deployed a large force including the 23 Infantry Division, 26 Tank Brigade, heavy artillery support, and jet fighters, far outnumbering the 5 Assam Regiment. Despite being heavily outmatched, the 5 Assam Regiment firmly resisted the attack.

Due to the bravery, discipline, strong leadership of the officers, and the unwavering courage of the soldiers of the 5 Assam Regiment, the Pakistani forces’ plans ultimately failed.

At today’s Battle Honour of Chhamb 1971 celebration, surviving veterans of the 5 Assam Regiment who fought in the 1971 war, along with their family members, were present.