East Pakistan Became Independent Bangladesh In 1971
East Pakistan became independent Bangladesh In 1971. Bangladesh had become an independent country in only 13 days of the war. The year 1971 marked 49 years of the war between India and Pakistan.
The 50th year will begin on 16 December. On December 3, 1971, Pakistan started the fight, but in front of the might of the Indian soldiers, they had to kneel in just 13 days.
Army suppression in East Pakistan
Pakistan’s military dictator Yahia Khan was oppressing the people living in the eastern part of his own country. On 25 March 1971, he ordered to crush the sentiments of East Pakistan.
After this, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the movement, was arrested. People started taking refuge in India. After this, there was pressure on the Indian government to intervene.
General Manik Shaw’s firm intention
The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi interacted with the Chief of Army Staff, General Manik Shaw.
India then had only one mountain division and did not even have the capacity to build bridges. The monsoon was about to knock. In such a situation it was risky to enter East Pakistan.
General Shaw made it clear that he would enter the battlefield with complete preparation.
Enemy attacked
On December 3, 1971, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was holding a public meeting in Calcutta (Kolkata).
In the evening, the Pakistani Air Force started bombing military airports like Pathankot, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Agra etc. The government planned a counter-attack.
India’s aggressive response
Indian troops captured Jessore and Khulna of East Pakistan. On 14 December, the Indian Army caught a secret message that a meeting of top Pakistani officials would be held at the Government House in Dhaka.
During the meeting itself, Indian MiG-21 aircraft dropped the bomb and blew its roof.
93 thousand Pakistani soldiers became prisoners of war
General Manik Shaw gave a message to General JFR Jacob to reach Dhaka immediately on 16 December to prepare for surrender.
Pakistani General AAK Niazi had more than 26 thousand soldiers in Dhaka, while India had only 3,000 soldiers 30 kilometers from there.
General Jacob arrived in Niazi’s room and saw that documents of dedication were placed on the table.
Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Arora reached Dhaka. Niazi handed over the revolver and the badge to Lieutenant General Arora. Both signed the document.
On 17 December, 93,000 Pakistani soldiers were made prisoners of war. About 3,900 Indian soldiers martyred. Thus the foundation of Bangladesh was laid.
These days will be special programs
On December 16, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will light four torches at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at Delhi’s India Gate.
By December 16, 2021, the torches will rotate throughout the country, cultural programs will be organized by the army.
The Torch Yatra will proceed from Delhi via Ghaziabad, Modinagar, Meerut, Roorkee, Dehradun, Chandigarh.
Similarly, different torch tours will depart towards western, southern, and eastern regions
