On 16 November a raid was conducted on East Debpur BOP. The raid continued for one hour. The BOP at that time was being manned mainly by militiamen. 3 of the Pakistanis were killed in the action. 7 Razakars, on duty in the BOP, surrendered to our forces. Large quantity of arms and ammunition were captured.
On 17 November Group 19 under Moinuddin ambushed a Pakistani patrol party near Mirsharai. There were 3 enemy casualties. One of the guerllas suffered minor injury.
On 18 November an attack was launched on Pakistani camp at Karnafuli Tea Estate. There were 6 enemy casualties. Another attack that day on Pakistani position in Fatikchari left 2 Pakistani soldiers killed. Our forces captured 60 Rifles, one LMG, 2 Stenguns and huge quantity of ammunition. 11 policemen were also arrested in that operation.
On 20 November a conference was held at 181 Brigade Headquarter to decide on the reorganization of our forces to prepare for joint military action against the Pakistanis in our arca of operation. By that time heavy movement of military personnel, vehicles, stores and equipments on both sides had reached a peak. It was apparent that the preparations were nearing completion for the final battle. After visiting some of the forward positions, 1 returned to my headquarters. The troops were offering their Eid prayers. Many of them knew nothing about their families for the last 8 months. As they bowed to Allah for prayers they were all crying like small children. I joined the prayers, tried to maintain a calm composure and later exchanged greetings with the troops with a faint smile in my face,But the smile probably betrayed the turmoil in my mind. Many of them embranced me and burst into tears.
By 21 November the northern half of Belonia was liberated and the battle for rest of Belonia was to start soon. The Pakistanis meanwhile concentrated lager forces in Feni area.
On 22 November there was a raid on a Pakistani camp at Tabalchari in which there were 2, Pakistani casualties. 13 Razakars along with their rifles, and ammunition, surrendered to our forces. That day 2 of our companies operating inside Belonia bulge along with 6 and 14 kumayun battalions captured 10 Pakistani soldiers. There were 22 others who were injured and taken prisoner. 2 of our guerillas were also injured and one JCO,s leg was blown in a mine explosion.
On 23rd November an ambush in Champaknagar BOP arca claimed 2 Pakistani casualties. I held a meeting with the Zonal Council (A committee of Bangladesh political leaders of the area to advise the military commanders on civil affairs) at Shanti Bazar and discussed matters regarding civil administration in the liberated areas in Bangladesh. Thereafter meeting was held with the Commander of 'K' Force composed of Indian and Bangladesh forces in No.1 Sector. The Indian Brigade commander obtained permission from higher authorities and it was decided that in extreme emergencies Indian officers could be loaned to command our troops. We did not have even 5% of the officers
