Aboobaker Osman Mitha (AO Mitha)
Major General Abu Bakr Usman Mitha, commonly known as AO Mitha, was an exceptional and courageous figure in the history of Pakistan Army. He is one of the founders of the Special Services Group (SSG) and is duly referred to as the “Father of S. It is called SG. In 1956, he founded a commando force in the mountainous area of Charat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which later proved to be Pakistan's most talented and dangerous mission carrying out unit.
Under his leadership, the SSG received modern-style training in collaboration with US Special Forces, which brought new dimension to the concept of special operations in the Pakistani Army. Metha was not only a staunch military officer but also an inspirational leader for his juniors. تھے۔
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The early life
Abu Bakr Usman Mitha was born on 1st June 1923 in Malabar Hill, Posh area of Mumbai (present-day Mumbai) into a prosperous Memon business family family. His childhood was spent in a prestigious but traditional family environment.
He had the opportunity to study in higher educational institutions and full of luxuries Life was easy, but they chose a military career by abandoning the business life.
This decision was not an easy one because the family wanted trade for them and an arranged marriage, but Mitha chose her own path. This self-confidence and stubbornness later became a prominent description of her military life.
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British services in Indian Army.
He passed out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in 1942 and was commissioned in the British Indian Army. During World War II he was stationed on the Burma Front and joined the Parachute Regiment and took part in dangerous missions against the Japanese forces. Dropped behind key lines where they displayed extreme daring.
In his book Unlikely Beginnings, he also mentions the racial prejudice of British officers, showing that they were dignified and self-sufficient personalities not only on the battlefield but also on theoretical level.
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Character after the establishment of Pakistan.
After partition of India in 1947, they chose Pakistan and served at General Headquarters Rawalpindi in the early days. There was severe shortage of resources during this period, wooden boxes were used as desks in offices and even paper was not available.
In 1954, he was given the responsibility of establishing an elite commando unit. He chose Charat as a training center and founded the Special Services Group through the most rigorous physical and mental training. His famous phrase was:
“Be proud of your poverty.”
This philosophy became the identity of SSG.
He was the head of the SSG from 1954 to 1960. Later, he was appointed Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy and then Commander of 1 Armed Division.
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East Pakistan and the conditions of 1971
He held important military positions during the 1965 War and subsequent deployment to East Pakistan. He was present as Deputy Corps Commander in the 1971 crisis. The events of this era, especially Operation Search Light, are a controversial and sensitive part of Pakistani history. It's Bob.
He was later appointed Quartermaster General at GHQ, but in December 1971 he was suddenly retired. He was only 48 years old at that time. His dismissal caused surprise in military circles as a formal court marshal was applied to him. Didn't happen.
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The honors and the afterlife
He was given several honors including Hilal-e-Jarat, Star Quaid-e-Azam and Pakistan Medal, but later his medals and privileges were withdrawn. Nevertheless, his popularity did not diminish, instead he became more respected among his junior officers.
After retirement, he lived in difficult conditions, but never lost his dignity and self-respect. He died in Islamabad in December 1999.
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Personal life
He married Indu Chatterjee in 1951, who belonged to a Bengali Christian family. Despite differences in religion, language and culture, their marriage was successful. His wife specialised in classical dance Indian Natam, but due to social pressure in Pakistan, they were forced to. Had to give up dancing in public.
Life of Mitha is the story of a soldier who left a comfortable life and chose the battlefield and national service, and who etched his identity in history forever by founding the most prestigious commando force of Pakistan Army.
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