Hello friends, we discussed developments that led to civil war between East and West Pakistan. It was March 1971. Operation Searchlight by Pakistani forces started reign genocide, torture, rapes on Bengali Hindus in East Pakistan.
Bengali refugees started flooding in Indian border states as a result of this. Though they were provided with shelters, they were a burden on India's strained economy. It was decided military action will be more economical and beneficial.
The task was not at all easy one. Internationally, US supported Pakistan. Nixon administration and its prime player, Henry Kissinger was of the opinion that let allow whatever Yahya wants to do. China- Pakistan were on good terms. A probable coalition of Pakistan- China-US was dangling on the head of India in case of military intervention in East Pakistan.
In this situation, India decided to tread the way cautiously. Possibilities of direct military intervention in East Pakistan were examined. The then Army Chief, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw advised that direct military attack would be effective only in winters when northern borders get blocked because of snow. In that case, the Chinese couldn't start a Two-Front War, one on the West with Pakistan other on the east with China.
Secondly, Indian intelligence agencies especially RAW got orders to jump into the action. They began training refugees for war. Mukti Bahini, the guerrilla force fighting west Pakistani forces also got training.
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| National Martyrs Memorial, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
The massive war was becoming inevitable day by day. By November, the picture became clear that India- Pakistan are going to fight the heavy fight.
Indian objectives were two- one, to capture Dhaka. Second, to prevent Pakistani entry from the west. 3 December 1971. Pakistani Air Force launched air attacks on Indian Airbases in the northwest(Operation Chenghiz Khan). Although not much successful, this event was the declaration of official war by India against Pakistan. All three- Army navy Air Force got into the well-coordinated action.
The scope of this article doesn't permit to cover all major events here. Stories of INS Vikrant, Karachi capture, destroying of thier own ship PNS Zulfikar by the Pakistani air force, Battle of Longewala are popular throughout the public. Recently new movies also covered some of these.
It is very pertinent to point out that well-cordinated action meant exactly by three forces. Indian Army penetrated into eastern Bangladesh in a conventional way with full might led by GoC Eastern Command, Jagjit Singh Aurora. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force destroyed a small air contingent at Dhaka and made Dhaka airstrips dysfunctional. Indian Navy from South blockaded access to East Pakistan from Bay of Bengal. US deployed its naval fleet in the Bay of Bengal. It couldn't do much movement after the Soviets deployed their force as well.
In this manner, Indian forces with the active support of Bengali nationalists, Mukti Bahini captured Dhaka swiftly just within 13 days. Pakistani Lt. General AAK Niazi had to surrender on 16th December 1971. And Bangladesh was born.
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| signing Instrument of Surrender by Pakistani forces |
It was one of the shortest wars in modern military history. Indian forces restored all their pride and glory which was lost after the 1962 war. Around 93000 Prisoners of War were captured. Shimla agreement was signed between Indira Gandhi and Bhutto in 1972. POWs and captured territories in the west were returned as goodwill.
The story of war ends here.
The a few interesting facts one must look into while knowing about Bangladesh Liberation War. Bangladesh adopted Amar Shonar Bangla as their national anthem. The author who wrote this has a very intimate connection to the National Anthem of India as well. Do you know who is the person? Post it in the comment box.
The liberation of Bangladesh was the end of the philosophy on which Pakistan stands. The two-nation theory which created Pakistan didn't stand the test of time. Within 25 years, the nation of Muslim majority was broke into two. Bangladesh was born on the basis of language dismissing the logic of a separate nation for Muslims. It is one of the rarest examples in the eastern world where the language was the basis for a separate nation-state.
An engaging description of glorious war fought by India��
ReplyDeleteIndeed creation of Bangladesh ultimately restored India's pride. The then PM will always be remembered for posterity considering her exemplary role in taking tough decisions at the time when international allignment was not in our favour. Though it is said that India deviated from it's stance of non alignment ( by signing a treaty with Russia); but looking back we can definitely say that tge risk was worth taking!
Thank you so much..! Indeed, the risk was worth taking. India couldn't afford threats from three sides- West- Pakistan, China- North and East Pakistan from East. It asserted its real power in South Asia which had very long term implications. Ultimately, its national interest which anchor the ship of foriegn policy.
DeleteThanks again!
An engaging description of glorious war fought by India👏
ReplyDeleteIndeed creation of Bangladesh ultimately restored India's pride. The then PM will always be remembered for posterity considering her exemplary role in taking tough decisions at the time when international allignment was not in our favour. Though it is said that India deviated from it's stance of non alignment ( by signing a treaty with Russia); but looking back we can definitely say that tge risk was worth taking!
Great piece of work ...keep it up
ReplyDeleteThank you so much 😊
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