East Pakistan Civil Armed Force
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| East Pakistan Civil Armed Force | |
|---|---|
| পূর্ব পাকিস্তান বেসামরিক সশস্ত্র বাহিনী | |
| Leader | Maj Gen. Jamshed Khan[1] |
| Dates of operation | April 1971 — December 1971 |
| Allegiance | Pakistan |
| Motives | To guard strongholds of Pakistani authorities and security forces |
| Active regions | East Pakistan |
| Size | |
| Allies |  Pakistan Army
|
| Opponents |  Mukti Bahini Indian Armed Forces
|
East Pakistan Civil Armed Force[a] (EPCAF)[5] was a paramilitary force that operated in East Pakistan.[6][7][8][9] It replaced the East Pakistan Rifles and was being used to guard Dacca and Pakistani strongholds, It evolved from East Pakistan Rifles.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]
While Pakistan Army with its collaborators, Razakars and Mujahid Bahini was focused on stopping Mukti Bahini-led resistance, EPCAF was given the duty to establish internal security and to guard strongholds of Pakistani forces.[18][19][2][20] EPCAF was raised in April 1971,[21] EPCAF effectively replaced East Pakistan Rifles due to decisions made by A. A. K. Niazi and Major Gen. Jamshed Khan became the Director General (DG) of EPCAF under his order.[22] East Pakistan Civil Armed Force particularly evolved from the East Pakistan Rifles,[10][11] East Pakistan Civil Armed Force was composed of Bihari Muslims, non-Bengalis of East Pakistan,[23][24][25][26][27][28] retired personnel, pro-Pakistan Bengalis[15] and West Pakistani personnel.[23] Initially, EPCAF had about 15 thousand to 18 thousand troops,[2][3] On May 1971, the amount of total personnel grew to 25,000,[4] EPCAF was divided into at least 17 wings.[29]
On 1 September 1971, East Pakistan Civil Armed Force launched raids on Basti Nasirabad, three miles east of Dacca, and killed 9 Indian agents linked to the Indian Armed Forces and captured one after a clash between EPCAF and Indian forces, at least 9 rifles, 3 stenguns, 5 shotguns, 39 grenades, several hundred cartridges and 43 mines and high amounts of bombs and explosives were captured.[30]
On 2 September 1971, Mukti Bahini freedom fighters attacked Gazaria Thana targeting nearby EPCAF and Razakar positions which resulted in the death of 3 EPCAF troops, 2 Razakars and capture of 11 Razakars and also capture of 15 rifles and 350 rounds of ammunition.[31]
On 12 September 1971, East Pakistan Civil Armed Force and East Pakistan Police launched a raid in Purana Paltan, Dacca and captured 4 rifles, 3 stenguns, 12 grenades and ammunition and clashed with Indian troops in Narayanganj, Dacca, resulting in 1 EPCAF troop being injured and 13 Indian troops being killed in a joint operation.[32]
On December 1971, India's Border Security Force (BSF) attacked and pounded EPCAF positions in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj.[33]
On 9 December 1971, Indian forces launched an attack on Ashuganj and attacked EPCAF troops.[34]
On 13 December 1971, Indian troops clashed with Pakistani forces and EPCAF in Sylhet, at least 19 EPCAF troops were killed and 10 were captured in the Battle of Sylhet.[35]