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1971 India-Pakistan War
Context
Every year on 16 December, both India and Bangladesh celebrate Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) to mark India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which also led to the birth of Bangladesh.
About Vijay Diwas
- Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s significant victory against Pakistan during the Liberation War in 1971.
- The day signifies the end of an intense 13-day battle that resulted in Pakistan’s submission through a surrender agreement in Dhaka.
- This pivotal moment led to the ultimate liberation of Bangladesh, once recognized as East Pakistan.
- Factors responsible for 1971 India-Pakistan war
- Ethnic and Linguistic Differences: The division between East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan) was primarily rooted in cultural and linguistic differences.
- East Pakistanis were predominantly Bengali-speaking and felt marginalized by the Urdu imposition from the West Pakistani government, which led to a growing sense of alienation and resentment.
- East Pakistanis were also discriminated against in terms of economic development and political power.
- Political Tensions and the Demand for Autonomy: In the mid-1960s, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a leader from East Pakistan, began advocating for greater autonomy for East Pakistan through his Six-Point Programme. However, the Pakistani refused to grant these demands, leading to political tension and conflict between the two regions.
- Operation Searchlight and the Genocide: In March 1971, Pakistan's military launched Operation Searchlight to suppress the growing separatist movement in East Pakistan. This operation involved mass atrocities, including widespread killings, rapes, and the targeting of Hindu minorities, which has been referred to as a genocide. The brutal repression triggered a mass exodus of refugees, leading to millions fleeing to neighboring India.
- India's Role in the Liberation of Bangladesh: India provided military and logistical support to the Mukti Bahini, a guerrilla force made up of Bangladeshi soldiers and civilians trained by India. The Mukti Bahini played a crucial role in gathering intelligence, launching sabotage operations, and creating instability for Pakistani forces in East Pakistan.
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