The state of Bangladesh currently in a turmoil, was born 52 years ago after the India – Pakistan war. The history dates back to the year 1971, with the war beginning on December 3 and ending on December 16. An approximate 93000 prisoners of war (79,676 to 81000 uniformed personnel of Pakistani Armed forces) were taken by the Indian Army. This is the largest surrender of forces since the World War II, marking India’s historic victory marking India’s dominance in South east Asia. Four Paramvir Chakras, 76 Mahavir Chakras and 513 Vir Chakras for Indian officers and soldiers, but do you know the history of the war. If not, make sure you do…for the innumerable sacrifices made by a Jawan!
The background –
The present Pakistan and Bangladesh were Western Pakistan and Eastern Pakistan respectively, after the India Pakistan partition of 1947. However, they could last as the east and west parts of a nation, only for 25 years until 1971. The nation had divisions, firstly the regions, then the linguistic differences and cultural disparities between the Bengalis and so called multi ethnic west Pakistanis. This led to social tensions giving birth to political and economic crisis. It started with the formation of a Pakistan in splits (1947), followed by the Language movement (1950), East Bengal riots (1964) and the mass protests (1969).
West Pakistan’s brutal policies erupted into a widespread human suffering with the military killing an estimated 3,00,000 to 3,000,000 civilians of East Pakistan. As many as 10 million people from East Pakistan took refuge in India after a genocide particularly aimed at the Bengali Hindu minorities. Moreover, the Razakars (members of the Pakistani military and supporting Pro – Pakistani Islamist militias) carried out the genocidal rape campaign wherein at least 2 – 3 lakh Bangladeshi women were raped.
But what led India making an entry into the internal turbulence? Read on…
The war -
The 1971 war was a third military confrontation between the two neighboring countries. The Bengali nationalist forces were fighting for the independence of East Pakistan. Pakistan gave the first whistle to the war with Operation Chengiz Khan, which comprised of aerial strikes on the eight Indian air stations. This primary reason forced India entering the war after officially waging it against Pakistan. The other one being, a flood of refugees from the east overburdening the Indian economy. General Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of the Army staff was thus ordered by the Union Cabinet to “Go to East Pakistan” on the 28th April 1971.
The Indian refugee camps were used to recruit and train the Mukti Bahini Guerillas against Pakistan. The technique of psychological warfare was adopted to pace up the morale of Indian soldiers in East Pakistan. The Indian Border Security force helped in relocating the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bangladesh Radio Centre) and beginning its broadcasts again. It carried out swift operations including the ‘blitzkrieg’ techniques in the east, and deploying the Punjab 15 battallion of 900 soldiers with IAF assistance. In the waters, it was the Westerns Naval command of Indian Navy that involved attack by Osa- class missile boats, the operation codenamed Python. The eastern naval command had INS Vikrant deployed with its Sea hawk fighter bombs.
The war was fought by India despite the monsoon season in East Pakistan and army tanks being refitted. The Indian army could capture 15,000 sq kms of the West Pakistan territory through open fire and incursions within. By then, the Yahya Khan regime ended, and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became the new President. Though, a large portion of Pakistan’s Air and Naval force servicemen were taken by India, the latter also faced the toll. Nearly 2908 Indian soldiers were killed and 1200 were injured.
The war was in an active state since March of 1971, but officially it was mere 13 days, and the Instrument of Surrender was signed. To be precise, it was 14:30 GMT when hostilities ended. The Indian Army encircled Dacca (Dhaka) at 16:31 HRS IST asking the Pakistani Army to surrender. Lt General AAK Niazi, Commander of the Pakistan Eastern command signed the document in presence of Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora (GOC- in- C) of the Indian eastern command.
The war was won, soldiers came home…many alive, some wrapped in the Tiranga and a country was liberated; saving millions who could breathe in an air of freedom. This was the 1971 war that has forever indebted us to the sacrifices of our brave armed forces. The 53rd anniversary shall remind of their grit and valor that never rests for the obliged duty towards motherland.