03 December – 16^th December 1971

16^th December, 1971 India crippled the strength of Pakistan by breaking it into two pieces, yes two geographical pieces namely, West Pakistan and East Pakistan. The day is celebrated as India’s victory over the India-Pakistan 13 day war, and it is one of the shortest war times in the history of mankind but one of the most lethal too.

The liberation war of East-Pakistan began with pre-emptive aerial strikes on 11 Indian air stations; this led to India Armed Force’s entry into the Bengali Nationlist’s war of Independence.

Why East-Pakistan Demanded Liberation From West-Pakistan

After the Independence from the British in 1947, India faced geographic partition and the world witnessed its biggest human massacre and migration after world war. The Pakistan, an Islamic nation was born against a democratic nation of India. Post partition the feud between two nations has just begun, with Pakistan claiming more of Indian territories such as Hyderabad, Junagad and Kashmir.

On the other end, Pakistan never considered the ‘Bengali Culture’ of East-Pakistan of any value which led to calls for self-determination in the East-Pakistan.

The Genocide by Pakistan

Another major cause for Bengalis to seek self-determination was the acts of genocide committed by West-Pakistan in the regions of East Pakistan (Bangladesh). The genocides began on 26^th March 1971 with the launch of Operation Searchlight by the government and army of Pakistan. The military suppression was to vanish the notion of self-determination in the region and to curb Bangladesh’s Demand for Liberation. The Pakistani military along with members of Islamist group called Jamaat-e-Islami killed between 3 Lakhs to 3 Million people and raped between 2 to 4 Lakhs Bengali Women, majorly targeting the minority ethnicities of Hindus and Buddhists. These atrocities against women were supported by Jamaat-e-Islami religious leaders, who also denoted ‘Bengali Women’ as ‘Gonimoter Maal’ (The Public Property).

Around 10 million people (majorly Hindus) had to flee from East-Pakistan and seek shelter as refugees in the neighbouring country of India.

Vijay Diwas – A Tribute to Brave Indian Soldiers

Indian armed forces have always come-up as the saviour of innocents and evades the darkness of evil. If not the Indian Armed Forces, then freeing Bangladesh and its people from Pakistan’s atrocities would have become close to impossible.

That is why, on the day of Vijay Diwas, both India and Bangladesh pays tribute to the brave soldiers of India who sacrificed their lives on the line of duty, protecting the innocents of Humankind.

After defeating Pakistan in the 1971 War, The Indian Army secured a historic victory with the largest military surrender post The World War II, capturing almost 93,000 Pakistani war prisoners. These prisoners were later released in a peace treaty named ‘Simla Agreement’ between India and Pakistan that held on 2 July 1972 in Shimla, India.

50 Years of Victory ( Swarnim Vijay Varsh )

The 2020’s Vijay Diwas marks 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan. The government of India called it ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ (Hindi for Golden Year of Victory) and organising a programme in the presence of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.

 “On Vijay Diwas we recall the unwavering courage of our armed forces that resulted in a decisive victory for our nation in the 1971 war. On this special Vijay Diwas, had the honour of lighting the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial,” Narendra Modi, The Prime Minister of India.

“On Vijay Diwas, let us recall the valour of our soldiers that affirmed our nation’s unwavering commitment to defend our sovereignty and protect human dignity. Their martyrdom in 1971 war had shown unparalleled grit & prowess of our forces. The nation is eternally indebted to them,” said Honourable President of India.

 “Western Sector - Captain Shankar Shankhapan Walkar displayed indomitable #courage, exemplary #leadership and resolute devotion to duty of high order in the face of enemy. Posthumously Awarded #MahaVirChakra,” said ADG, Indian Army.

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