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Towards the end of February 1971, orders were issued for MOUs to regroup and take shelter with the nearest army garrison due to the insecure conditions created by civil agitation.
Flight Lieutenant Safi Mustafa along with 37 airmen thereupon took refuge with the East Pakistan Rifles' Headquarters at Mymensingh.
Throughout the period of civil strife and agitation, he continued to look after his men with great courage and dedication.
On March 16, he came to Dhaka for a day where he was advised by friends and relatives not to go back to his unit because of the prevailing danger to non locals.
He was, however, determined to return to his post and was in contact with the Base till 27th March. The evidence available indicates that in all probability, he was executed by the rebels on April 17, 1971.
For his gallantry and dedication, Flight Lieutenant Syed Safi Mustafa was awarded the Sitara-i-Juraat.
