1971 War: Dacoit Balwant Singh's Jonga Jeeps Helped India Capture 100 Pak Villages

• Balwant Singh, a dacoit from Bakhasar, played a crucial role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
• He assisted Brigadier Colonel Bhawani Singh with his knowledge of the Thar desert's routes.
• Balwant Singh used 4 Jonga jeeps with removed silencers to deceive Pakistani forces into believing Indian tanks were advancing.
• This tactic led to the capture of Pakistan's Chhochhro post and approximately 100 villages.
• After the war, all criminal cases against Balwant Singh were dropped, and he became known as a hero.

Why It Matters: Local dacoit's cunning and knowledge were crucial in India's 1971 war victory.