Bangari, R.S.  <br/><br/>
Fifty years after India’s first airborne operation at Poongli bridge, Tangail: What we know of its planning? 

 - U.S.I. Journal   
 - 153(632), Apr-Jun, 2023: p.271-285 
<br/><br/> The objective of this article is to try and uncover what we know about the planning process of the airborne operation at Poongli Bridge, along with its execution, to achieve the desired objectives. This was the first classic parachute operation mounted by the Indian Army since Independence and in its success we need to know what went into its making: with the starting step being the planning stage. This article first looks at the different accounts of the 1971 war by various authors, specifically relating to the chosen area of interest, including as many possible key participants and other critical observers and researchers. Based on these, one could apply logical analysis and counterfactual arguments to identify the most likely scenario(s) to arrive at what may have been the case. Once we have some idea of the key planning factors and evolution sequence, we could also briefly correlate our understanding with the initial execution of the plans as they were put into motion.1 This preliminary study will, hopefully, lay the foundation for a more informed debate on certain highlights and issues that this article will bring up. This article is in two parts and Part 2 shall be covered in the next issue of USI Journal.- Reproduced