Most Of The Pak POWs Had The Opinion…” I Wish Pakistan Also Had Military Officers Like India

Most of the Pak POWs had the opinion… I wish Pakistan also had military officers like India.

I wish Pakistan also had military officers like India…. This was said by most of the 90,000 Pak soldiers taken prisoner in the 1971 war.

These Pakistani soldiers and officers had surrendered before the Indian Army.

These soldiers were kept under the supervision of the Central Command of the Army and at that time the Commanding Officer of the Central Command was Lt. Gen. PS Bhagat.

Speaking at the Lt PS Bhagat Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey recalled the situation after the war that took place 52 years ago.

General Pandey said the readiness with which camps were prepared for the captive Pakistani soldiers, facilities were arranged in them, and arrangements were made for food and security.

Pakistani soldiers were surprised to see him.

During that time Lieutenant General Bhagat had tried to ensure that the prisoners of war get all the facilities for which they were entitled.

They were also provided with a canteen, medical facilities, and correspondence with family members as per the Geneva Convention.

Bangladesh was formed during the 1971 war.

There are also some examples when Lieutenant General Bhagat vacated the bases of his soldiers and made arrangements for the prisoners of war to stay in them.

His work gave a new perspective on the treatment of prisoners of war globally. Bangladesh was formed only during the 1971 war.

Lieutenant General Bhagat’s life was saved in the explosion of a landmine in the 1971 war, but his eardrum was torn by the loud noise.

He had discharged the responsibilities of the war zone by working continuously for 96 hours in the same condition.

He played a big role in that victory. It will be remembered not only today but always.

Recalling the decision taken him during the war days, General Pandey said, as the first Commanding Officer of the Central Command, Lt Gen Bhagat did a great job and his role in the 1971 war will continue to influence generations to come.