India's Secret War: BSF and Nine Months to the Birth of Bangladesh

This is a never before written account of how the Border Security Force, which at that time was a young Force, rose to the occasion immediately (after Operation Searchlight on 25th March 1971 that was unleashed by Pakistan Military against the Bengali population) and played a significant role in the months preceding the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. A must read for everyone and especially those who are interested in military history.

Forces don't defend their motherland for any reward or recognition. But it's duty of The Nation to recognise their affords. This book is one such affords which brings the heroic and bold actions of Border Security Force (BSF) in extremely adverse conditions. This book brings into limelight a large number of BSF troops who would have otherwise gone unsung sacrificing their everything for motherland. The metaphor of nine months fits well in role played by BSF. People tend to forget the nine months of pain, endurance, care and all that the woman undergo once the child is delivered. This book has ample material for any Bollywood blockbuster.

It's an eye opening work on the contribution of BSF, which was the first govt. agency to enter Bangladesh and last one to leave during 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.A lot has been written and documented about the contribution of Army but people seldomly know about the contribution of BSF and its prognostics of dwindling situation which led to timely coupling of Indian government's dispensation with the famous Mukhti-Bahini and its consequent training by the BSF in weapons and tactics.The book is populated with interesting anecdotes which generally emanate out of war-time inertia.It's a must read for military history aficionados in general and UPSC/CAPF aspirants in particular.I bow to the Indian border men who stands to the guard so that we can sleep peacefully at our homes.Jai Hind!!

A must read book.

Compelling historical narrative about the BSF role in the Bangladesh liberation war.

A must read book for every Indian..as it gives you a clear picture of the contribution made by BSF troops during liberation of Bangladesh

This is a laudable book—a non-fictional account dredged from archival records and with multiple interviews conducted—that coheres and stitches together episodic events and renders deftly with a fictional touch. True, for a generation like mine that witnessed the birth of Bangladesh amid the geopolitical tensions of the time when India was finding its place in the world (and especially in South Asia), it’s quite a journey down nostalgic memory lane. As an adolescent new entrant into college, all we had access to detailing the day-to-day unequal battles of Mukti Bahini with Pakistan (more precisely, West Pakistan) were the newspaper reports and soon after, more graphically The Illustrated Weekly of India, then helmed by the redoubtable Khushwant Singh, that ran extracts of a book on the birth of Bangladesh. I forget who the author was. The writing was crisp and, for a young mind, very readable. Yet it gave just a passing mention of the role of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the birth of the nation. That this newly-raised low-profile outfit, led adroitly by K. F. Rustamji played a crucial role in Bangladesh's liberation, wasn’t—still isn’t—common knowledge. More than any other, for the younger generation forced to live off mythology and blind distortions of history in this Age of Post-Truth, its relevance cannot be understated. For here is a book that rivetingly takes you step by step through the confusion. It also discusses India's secret planning and execution largely through the BSF as it happened at the grassroots level. I commend the author Ushinor Majumdar for the deep dive he has taken to bring guerilla warfare into the pages of history. A splendid book, ground history-telling at its most lively!

Under the leadership of K.F. Rustamji, the founding chief of the BSF, the force went beyond its border-policing charter and covertly provided support to the resistance forces in East Pakistan. The BSF’s involvement extended to welcoming democratically elected politicians, establishing a government-in-exile, and foiling the Pakistan Army’s tactical plans. Ushinor Majumdar’s writing captures the spirit of valor and heroism exhibited by the BSF officers during this critical period in South Asian history.The author’s meticulous research and storytelling expertise make this book an essential addition to the literature on the subject. For history enthusiasts and those interested in understanding the complexities of South Asian history, “India’s Secret War: BSF and Nine Months to the Birth of Bangladesh” is a must-read. It illuminates a crucial chapter in India’s military history and honors the unsung heroes of the BSF who stood guard for two countries, India and Bangladesh-in-the-making, during those transformative months.

"India's Secret War: BSF and Nine Months to the Birth of Bangladesh" is a compelling narrative that not only unveils the covert operations of the Border Security Force (BSF) but also pays homage to the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in the birth of Bangladesh. Authored by [insert author's name], this book offers a gripping account of a crucial period in South Asian history, drawing readers into the heart of clandestine missions and geopolitical maneuverings.What makes this book particularly poignant is the personal connection shared by the author of this review, with the BSF. With a heartfelt acknowledgment, from me and my family sought refuge in India during the tumultuous days of 1971, pouring into the borders on April 30th of that year. In a moment of dire need, we turned to the nearest BSF camp, and it was through the assistance and protection of these brave soldiers that my family found safety. This intimate connection infuses the narrative with a sense of gratitude and reverence from me, underscoring the profound impact of the BSF's actions on individuals and families during that tumultuous period.As the narrative unfolds, readers are transported back to the volatile landscape of 1971, when tensions between East and West Pakistan were reaching a boiling point. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of the BSF's covert operations, highlighting their instrumental role in supporting the Mukti Bahini and eventually paving the way for the birth of Bangladesh.Moreover, "India's Secret War" offers valuable insights into the region's geopolitical dynamics, shedding light on the intricate web of alliances and conflicts that shaped the course of history. From frontline soldiers to strategists in the war room, the book brings to life the human dramas and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the secret war.In conclusion, "India's Secret War: BSF and Nine Months to the Birth of Bangladesh" is a riveting testament to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of the BSF personnel who played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of nations. It is a powerful tribute to those who stood on the front lines of history, ensuring that future generations would inherit a world free from oppression and tyranny.