50TH ANNIVERSARY

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1971 INDIA-PAKISTAN WAR INDIA CELEBRATES DECEMBER 16 , 2020 AS “ VIJAY DIWAS” TO COMMEMORATE ITS VICTORY OVER PAKISTAN DURING THE 1971 WAR LEADING TO THE CREATION OF BANGLADESH.

India on December 16,2020, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war with Pakistan, also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. Fought under the leadership of then-Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Sam Manekshaw, the war ended in less than two weeks with a decisive victory for India, and resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, which was then known as East Pakistan. The 13-day military conict is one of the shortest wars in history. It ended with a decisive win for India and led to the creation of Bangladesh.

INDIA CELEBRATES DECEMBER 16 AS VIJAY DIWAS TO COMMEMORATE ITS VICTORY OVER PAKISTAN DURING THE 1971 WAR THAT LED TO THE CREATION OF BANGLADESH.

The conict took place in the backdrop of tensions between Pakistan , then known as West Pakistan and the Bengali majority in East Pakistan, which was closer to India, then it was to Pakistan. On 25 March 1971, the Pakistan Army, led by Lieutenant General Tikka Khan, who later went on to become Pakistan’s rst COAS, launched Operation Searchlight to quell the rebellion in East Pakistan . Massive human rights violations were reportedly perpetrated by the Pakistan Army during this operation. The hostilities between India and Pakistan formally began on December 3, 1971, when the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), launched pre-emptive air strikes on 11 Indian airelds. Addressing the nation the same evening, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi called the air strikes “declaration of war against India.” While the Indian Air Force (IAF) responded with initial retaliatory strikes the same night, Prime Minister Gandhi ordered a “full-scale” invasion of Pakistan. Thus ofcially commenced the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. The war came to an end in less than two weeks on December 16, 1971, with the Eastern Command Chief of the Indian Army, Lt Gen JS Aurora, making the Eastern Command Chief of the Pakistan Army, Lt Gen AAK Niazi, sign the instrument of surrender. As a result of the surrender, around 93,000 Pakistani troops were taken as prisoners of war (PoW) by India. The 13-day duration of the war also makes it one of the shortest wars in history. East Pakistan became Bangladesh, with Awami League leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, becoming its rst President in January 1972, as well as its second Prime Minister in 1974. Mujib, who was assassinated in 1975, is the father of current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The war is also known for the Indian Navy’s daring assault, called Operation Trident, on Pakistan’s nancial hub of Karachi, which was also the headquarters of the Pakistan Navy. To commemorate this operation, India observes December 4 as Navy Day. The 1971 war is also known for the battle of Longewala, in Rajasthan, in which outnumbered Indian troops fought off advancing Pakistani adversaries and the battle was led by Major KS Chandpuri, who led Indian troops. Throughout the conict, the Indian forces were assisted by the Mukti Bahini, a Bengali guerrilla resistance movement, which was ghting the Pakistani forces.

PM MODI PAYS TRIBUTE AT NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL ON VIJAY DIWAS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the 50th anniversary of the 1971 that made Bangladesh an independent country. The day is celebrated as ‘Vijay Diwas’ . The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and Home Minister, Amit Shah also extended their wishes to countrymen on the occasion of the Vijay Diwas. The Ministers saluted the bravery and courage of the Indian Army

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI AT THE NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL IN NEW DELHI

PM Modi along with several ofcials from the Defence Ministry paid tributes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and kickstarted the 50th anniversary celebrations of the event.

‘SURRENDER OR BE WIPED OUT’: FIELD MARSHAL MANEKSHAW’S WARNING TO PAK ARMY DURING 1971 WAR

The Indian Armed Forces had in December 1971 secured a historic victory over Pakistan Army, which led to the creation of Bangladesh and also resulted in the largest military Surrender after the World War–II. India is celebrating the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ on the occasion of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war, that made Bangladesh an independent country.

As a symbol of victory, also known as ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ was also lit by the Prime Minister. There were four such ‘ Mashaals’ or torches which will be carried to various parts of the country, including to the villages of Param Vir Chakra and MahaVir Chakra Awardees of 1971 War.

Pakistan war. Various commemorative events will be PICTURE TAKEN IN DECEMBER 1971 OF AN INDIAN TANK DURING The photo was shared with the caption, “’You surrender or We wipe you out’ was the message given by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Pakistan on 13th December 1971.” The Field Marshal lived his words as the world will see unprecedented surrender of more than 93000 Pakistani soldiers.

The entire year is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the 1971 IndiaTHE INDO-PAKISTANI WAR OF 1971

conducted pan-India wherein war Veterans and ‘ Veer Naris’ or brave women will be felicitated. The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, saluted the valour and bravery of the Indian Army. He remembered the bravery of the soldiers who wrote a new saga of bravery in the 1971 war. Their sacrice is a source of inspiration for all Indians and said that the Nation will always revere them. The Home Minister said that the Indian Army made a historic change on the world map on this day. The Home Minister also quoted that on this day in 1971, the Indian Army, with its indomitable courage and valour, made a historic change on the world map, protecting the universal values of human freedom. This is marked with golden letters in history and will continue to make every Indian proud and wishing the nation as Happy Vijay Diwas. THE ADDITIONAL DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PUBLIC INFORMATION (ADGPI)

OF THE INDIAN ARMY - A PICTURE OF FIELD MARSHAL SAM MANEKSHAW STRATEGISING WITH FELLOW ARMY OFFICERS AMID THE 1971 WAR The 1971 war was fought between the Pakistan Army and the allied forces of Bangladesh’s Muktibahini and the Indian Army led by Field General Sam Manekshaw. The Pakistan government chose not to recognize the Awami League’s win in the 1970 elections following which Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for a nationwide strike. Pakistan, fearing that East Pakistan will continue to demand more autonomy arrested Rehman and imprisoned him in Lahore on charges of sedition. By December 14, it was clear that Pakistan’s forces were depleted and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw asked Niazi, Commander of Pakistani forces, to unconditionally surrender in front of the Indian Army. Ninety three thousand Pakistani troops surrendered to the Indian Army on this day in 1971 making it the biggest surrender since World War II.