Brigadier Kailash Prasad Pande assumed command of the 61 Mountain brigade after its commander was wounded during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Brigadier Pande led his men in several well-directed operations in the capture of Dhalai and Saugham in the eastern sector.
On 6th December, he was entrusted with the task of capturing the enemy-held Mynamati fortress and advancing up to the river Meghna. Brigadier Pande made a two-pronged advance that helped him secure 42 kilometres of enemy territory within a bare 72 hours. Mynamati was soon in Indian hands. The Pakistanis lauched a fresh attack, supported by tanks. But the brigadier and his men fought so valiantly that the enemy was forced to retreat.
The Brigadier advanced further to the Meghna River and captured Daudhkhandi, a steamer station. Brigadier Pande was conferred the Mahavir Chakra for his brilliant leadership.
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