Battle of Gangasagar

The Battle of Gangasagar was rooted in the growing divide between East and West Pakistan. Although Bengalis formed the majority of Pakistan's population, they faced political and economic discrimination. Tensions peaked after the 1970 elections, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won a majority in Parliament. Instead of honouring the result, Pakistan's military rulers denied the Bengali people their democratic mandate.

 On 25 March 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown across East Pakistan. As violence spread, millions fled their homes and nearly one crore refugees sought shelter in India. India responded with humanitarian aid while supporting the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali resistance movement fighting for freedom.

 By late 1971, the crisis had escalated into war. Under Operation Cactus Lily, Indian forces launched a major offensive into East Pakistan. One of their objectives was Gangasagar, a heavily defended Pakistani stronghold near Akhaura. The battle that followed would become one of the most significant engagements of the campaign and a defining moment in the heroism of Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Param Vir Chakra.