United Nations India-Pakistan Observation Mission (UNIPOM): the Dutch contribution
The first 16 observers, 3 of whom were Dutch, came from the UNTSO mission. They arrived after the ceasefire came into force on 22 September 1965 and returned to UNTSO in mid-November. Specially recruited UNIPOM observers, including 3 Dutchmen, had arrived in the meantime.
Deployment of observers
UNIPOM, which had divided its mission area into 7 sectors, manned 14 field stations along the confrontation line. UNIPOM endeavoured to station observers of the same nationality at posts opposite each other in India and Pakistan. Also, after 3 months, they were sent to the other side of the confrontation line. This sort of measure was designed to help prevent United Nations military observers (UNMOs) from the participating states being accused of partiality.
Compliance with the ceasefire
During the first few weeks, India and Pakistan did not make a good job of sticking to the ceasefire agreements. It was not until the beginning of 1965 that there was any real improvement in the situation. Until then, the observers could do nothing except report violations and try to persuade the commanders on the ground to observe the ceasefire.
Withdrawal of military personnel
India and Pakistan announced publicly in Tashkent on 10 January 1966 that they were willing to withdraw all their military personnel. UNIPOM supervised the implementation of the Tashkent agreement and the mission was, as agreed, terminated on 22 March. The 3 Dutch observers returned to the Netherlands at the beginning of March 1965.