 The paratroop unit was also tasked to link up with the advancing Maratha Light Infantry on the ground to advance towards the East Pakistani capital.A battalion of paratroopers led by Lt Col Kulwant Singh Pannu was reinforced by an artillery battery of 17 PARA Field, an engineering detachment, an ADS, a surgical team and other administrative troops from 50th (Indep) Parachute Brigade.Tasked to cut off the retreat of the Pakistani troops from the north towards Dacca, the unit touched ground at 4