Page 358 - Leadership in the Indian Army

international border. In the 54 Infantry Division sector, the first minefield
was visualised to be at the border; the second along the general line Bhoi
Brahma–Thakurdwara–Nagwal; the third along the general line Ghamrola–

Barkhanian; and the fourth in conjunction with the Basantar Nala. The
enemy was also expected to have advance positions based on the Basantar
Nala, with covering troops operating ahead of it to delay the advance of
Indian troops, and deny crossings over the minefields.
On the basis of the enemy’s anticipated deployment, it was planned that
two infantry brigades ex-54 Infantry Division, with a squadron each of 17
Horse under command, would secure a bridgehead across the first minefield

in the area Dandaut–Gola–Mawa–Mukhwal and establish a firm base for
the divisional advance. The third brigade of 54 Infantry Division and 4
Horse would then advance between the Basantar river and Karir Nadi, with
a view to secure crossings across the second minefield at Thakurdwara.
Thereafter 4 Horse with one brigade would make another bridgehead across
the third minefield at Barkhanian. Once the third minefield had been

breached, a combat group comprising 17 Horse and 18 Rajputana Rifles
less two companies would break out and secure an encounter crossing over
the Basantar Nala in the general area of Pinjori, for a subsequent advance to
capture the Zafarwal–Dhamtal complex.
While the various contigencies were being worked out, Hanut was
dismayed to find that in each one of these plans, his regiment had been kept
in reserve and not allotted any operational task. When this happened for the

third time running, Hanut met the brigade commander and asked him why
his regiment had not been given any task. ‘From this,’ said Hanut, ‘I can
only conclude that you do not have confidence in me, or in my regiment, or
both.’ Vaidya was initially nonplussed at being confronted in this way by
one of his COs, but had to agree that he was right. He explained that he had
just taken over the brigade, and being unfamiliar with the units, was going

by the information his predecessor, Brigadier K.K. Kaul had given him.
Hanut pointed out that because of a personality clash between Lieutenant
Colonel Shiv Raj Singh, the previous Commandant of 17 Horse, and the
brigade commander, the latter’s opinion about the regiment was biased. He
therefore requested Vaidya not to give it too much weightage. Vaidya
agreed, and assured Hanut that in the future he would ensure that his
regiment got its rightful due.