Context: This article is based on an Editorial “‘Sacrifice forever etched in our hearts’: PM Modi, leaders across parties pay tributes on Vijay Diwas” which was published in the Indian Express. Recently, leaders across the political lines paid tributes to the soldiers who fought in the 1971 war, on the occasion of  52nd Vijay Diwas.

• On December 16, 1971, nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the combined forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini. Bangladesh came into existence as a result of this war.

The Historical Background of 1971 War

• During Independence: When India was divided into two parts in 1947, it was divided from both the fronts known as Eastern Pakistan (Later Bangladesh) and Western Pakistan.
• Challenges faced by then Eastern Pakistan: At the time of droughts and famine, no rescue operations were held and no relief efforts were taken by Western Pakistan.
  • The revenue generated by Jute production was used for purchasing weapons.
  • After lots of struggle Bengali was recognized as their official language.
  • They don’t have any political representation and the ruler always belonged to Western Pakistan.

Continue Reading: Vijay Diwas-16 December: History Of 1971

Elections in Pakistan and Starting of Fight

• Organization of Elections: By Yahya Khan, the first general election being held by Pakistan after 23 years of independence whereas India had already gone through 5 elections.
• Main Purpose of Elections: To address the aspirations of East Pakistan people and to make a constitution again based on democratic principles.
• Outcome of Elections: In Eastern Pakistan, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won the elections and got 167 seats out of 169 seats, and in Western Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto won 88 seats out of 144.
  • Yahya Khan doubted that there was a conspiracy going on between Rahman and Bhutto, arrested both of them, and sent Rahman to a secret place in Western Pakistan.
• Beginning of a Civil War: These incidents started riots in Eastern Pakistan. The government in exile was established and a provisional government was made.
• Operation Searchlight by Pakistani Army: This was a planned military operation carried out by the Pakistan Army to curb the Bengali nationalist movement in erstwhile East Pakistan.
  • Army started the genocide, killing, and rape and did lots of atrocities.

Entry of India in the 1971 War

• Entry and Burden of Refugees: More than 10 lakh refugees entered India and the burden of refugees kept on increasing. Indian officials asked Pakistan to sort out everything because India was having refugees in a huge amount.
• Report from Research and Analysis Wing: Pakistan was collecting weapons in a huge amount and it was also doubted that Pakistan could again start an uprising like J&K in 1965.
• India’s Role: Eastern Pakistan had an internal organization Mukti Bahini which was opposing the Pakistan Army. India started giving weapons and training to this organization. At the start, the BSF gave them training and later on, controlled by the Army to learn military tactics.
• Support from USSR: Pakistan already had a good relation with the US and China and India required a good friend. A friendship treaty was signed between the USSR and India in 1971, weapons were being purchased without any boundations or conditions.
• Beginning of 1971 War: Pakistan started shelling at the Eastern border. The Indian Army also started cover firing to save refugees, which later turned into a full-scale war. 
  • From the western front of Jammu and Kashmir to the Eastern front, Pakistan started a war. India retaliated from both fronts. 
  • India went into the border of Eastern Pakistan for the Liberation of Bangladesh.

1971 War and Its Implications

• Provisional government was already established and was led by Syed Nazrul Islam.
• The Indian Army forced to surrender 90,000 Pakistani soldiers, (the first time in history) and a new country was formed and named Bangladesh.
• Signing of Simla Agreement: Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Signed the agreement and repeated the promises made in Tashkent. A provision was also made that there will be no role of any third party to interfere in the India and Pakistan issues.

Factors of India’s Victory in the 1971 War

• Military Superiority and Support of Mukti Bahini.
• Role of the Intelligence Agency (R&AW) and its reports. 
• Strong leadership of Indira Gandhi.
  • Richard Nixon, the President of the US at that time tried to pressure Indira Gandhi to stop the war but Indira Gandhi didn’t listen to him and later, India won the war.

Consequences of 1971 War

• Indira Gandhi emerged as a Strong Leader
• India received respect in the World
• India’s model of Secularism gained value
• Unity and Brotherhood in entire India for the justice of sufferers neighbor
• However, impact and burden on Economic Situation was also observed 

Conclusion:

The 52nd Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s decisive victory in the 1971 War, leading to the creation of Bangladesh, underscoring the historical significance of military prowess, strategic alliances, and the enduring legacy of leadership, with enduring implications for regional geopolitics.                                                                                                     

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