Battle of Ichogil Bund

The Battle of Ichogil Bund also known as the Battle of BRB Canal was a skirmish fought from 22 September to 23 September 1965 as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 by the 9th Battalion Madras Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel B.K. Satyan.

Background
The Ichogil Canal was constructed by the Pakistani government in the 1950’s partly as a defensive obstacle to prevent an hypothetical invasion of Lahore. At 45 m wide and 5 m deep, it presents a serious obstacle for any invading military force. Much of the battle was fought from across the canal, with tanks providing fire support to a ground team which had crossed the canal.

The battle
The battle was notable for being fought after the cease-fire had been signed on 22 September. Fighting began around midnight and lasted for about two and a half hours. India claimed that on 16 September, its soldiers had crossed the canal and were just six miles from the city of Lahore. The Indian attempts to advance on the Harike-Burki road, according to Pakistan's spokesman, had been thwarted. India attempted thirteen major offensives on this front, all of which Pakistan repelled successfully.

Casualties and losses
Accounts differ, Indian sources claim that between 27 and 49 Indian soldiers died. And Pakistani casualties included 48 dead, 11 captured and 80 jumped into the canal and were washed away, presumably dead.

Other battles in the vicinity
See other battles in the vicinity during 1965 India-Pakistan War.