The Battle of Longewala was one of the first major engagements in the western sector during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, fought between assaulting Pakistani forces and Indian defenders at the Indian border post of Longewala, in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The battle was fought between 120 Indian soldiers accompanied by four Hawker Hunter and three HAL Marut fighter-bombers and 2,000–3,000 Pakistani soldiers accompanied by 30–40 tanks.
Tank tracks at Longewala. Photographic reconnaissance image taken at the time showing the desperate last-minute manoeuvres by Pakistani tanks in the Longewala sector. Circles show destroyed Pakistani tanks.
Jonga that destroyed several tanks during battle
Jonga, mounted with 105 mm RCL gun, which destroyed several tanks
One of the three HAL Marut used by the IAF against Pakistani armour at Longewala
The Border Security Force (BSF) is India's border guarding organisation at its borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India, and was formed in the wake of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 "for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for connected matters therewith".
A soldier of Border Security Force in one of the ceremonial uniforms.
BSF band marching contingent during the 63rd Republic Day Parade.
The Home Minister with children who are part of the Bharat Darshan Tour organized by the BSF in 2012.
Women personnel of BSF taking part in the ceremonial retreat at the India-Pakistan border at Wagah, 2010.
