Battle of Kaiser-e-Hind Fortress

For other uses, see Kaiser-i-Hind (disambiguation).

Kaiser-e-Hind or Qaiser-i-Hind is a citadel in the Indian state of Punjab. The fortress was briefly occupied by Pakistani military and was later returned to India after the end of 1971 India-Pakistan War.

Battle of Kaiser-i-Hind
Part of Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Date 3–4 December 1971 Location Punjab, India Result Pakistani victory Capture of Qaiser-i-Hind citadel
Belligerents
Pakistan	India
Commanders and leaders
Lt. Col. Habib Ahmed Maj. Gen. Akhtar Abdur Rahman	Unknown
Units involved
41 Baloch	15 Punjab Supported by: Indian Air Force
Strength
1400	2300
Casualties and losses
67 killed 120 wounded	125 killed 238 wounded Dozens of weapons captured

On 3 December 1971, a unit of 41st Baloch under the command of Lt. Colonel Habib Ahmed launched an attack to capture the Qaiser-i-Hind fortress and the perimeter in the Hussainiwala sector. The unit of 41st Baloch was supported by 45 Field Regiment under the command of Major General Akhtar Abdur Rahman. The fierce battle involved usage of heavy artillery and tanks by both sides. The Indian Air Force was also used to attack the advancing Pakistani troops. On the night of 4 December 1971, the Indian troops withdrew from the area. Qaiser-i-Hind citadel and Hussainiwala remained under the control Pakistani troops throughout the war. Following the end of 1971 war, the occupied territory was returned to India.

Many officers and soldiers of 41st Baloch were awarded medals for displaying act of bravery and courage throughout the conflict. 41 Baloch regiment earned the title of "Fateh Qasar-e-Hind" for their performance during the capture of Qaiser-i-Hind. 67 Pakistanis were killed (including 1 officer) and 120 were wounded in the battle for the fortress, while Indian losses were around 125 killed, 238 wounded, as well as a large cache of weaponry captured by Pakistan.