Vijay Diwas: A recap of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which helped birth Bangladesh
Context- Vijay Diwas or Victory Day is commemorated on December 16, marking the end of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the liberation of Bangladesh. India declared victory on this day 51 years ago after Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender.
What led to 1971 Indo-Pak war?
- After the partition of India following the end of British rule in 1947, two independent countries were formed – India and Pakistan. The latter consisted of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan).
- East Pakistan was often overlooked in terms of administration as the top posts were held by those in the West. There was also an issue of cultural conflict. For instance, when Urdu, used in West Pakistan, was made the official language of the country.
- In the mid-1960s, leaders such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is also known as the founder of Bangladesh (and the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina), actively began protesting against these policies and helped form the Awami League. Soon, their demand became one for freedom and greater autonomy.
- The League ended up winning a stunning 160 of the 162 seats in East Pakistan in the 1970 elections – and won no seats in the West.
- Mujib had a clear overall majority in the House to become the Prime Minister. However, instead of recognising the mandate, on March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military began a brutal crackdown that saw the mass slaughter of Bengalis.
What was India’s role in 1971 war?
- India had declared support for the League previously. Without direct intervention, this was visible: on May 15, it launched Operation Jackpot, an operation to recruit, train, arm, equip, supply and advise Mukti Bahini fighters engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Pakistan military.
- Foreign ministry was tasked to promote international sympathy and support for Bangladesh.
- The foreign ministry was also tasked to explain to the international community that the problem in East Bengal was not simply an internal problem of Pakistan — that by driving out millions of refugees into India, Pakistan was exporting a domestic problem to India.
- Pakistan Air Force launched pre-emptive strikes towards Western India (including Amritsar, Pathankot, Srinagar, Avantipura, Ambala, Sirsa and Agra) on December 3, 1971, India formally declared war on December 4.
What was the Outcome?
- The war, which was short and intense, was fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts over 13 days.
- On December 6, India formally recognised Bangladesh as an independent nation. Two days later, the Indian Navy launched an attack on Karachi.
- From December 12 to 16, Indian forces pushed through to Dhaka and entered the city, ending the war with a total victory.
- Pakistan Eastern Command Commander Lt Gen AAK Niazi signed the instrument of surrender and capitulates to Indian Eastern Commander Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora.
What was the significance of the war?
- Diminishing the Two-front War Threat: The East Pakistan uprising provided India with the opportunity to break up Pakistan and eliminate the threat of a two-front war in any future confrontation.
- Departure from Non-Alignment: The India-Pakistan war was preceded by the signing of the Indo-Soviet Treaty in August 1971, which boosted India diplomatically.
- The victory defined India’s much broader role in foreign politics.
- Many countries in the world, realised that the balance of power had shifted to India in South Asia.
Conclusion- Indo Pak War of 1971 changed political landscape of south asia. It tells story of valour and sacrifice of Indian Armed forces.
Syllabus– Mains; GS-1; Post Independence History
