1971 War: How India Crushed Pakistan and Helped Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 led to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan, with India's support, following a military crackdown in East Pakistan.
In 1947, India gained freedom, and the country was divided into two parts – India and Pakistan. Pakistan was a Muslim country, and at that time, Bangladesh was a part of it, known as ‘East Pakistan.’ The other region, now called Pakistan, was ‘West Pakistan.’
However, in 1971, Bangladesh fought a war to become an independent country, known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. India played a major role in helping Bangladesh gain independence. Let’s look at what happened.
For many years, the people of East Pakistan faced unfair treatment from West Pakistan. Despite having a larger population, East Pakistan did not receive equal resources or support. West Pakistan’s leaders ignored the needs of the East, which caused anger among the people of East Pakistan. The biggest issue was about the Bengali language and culture. The people in East Pakistan spoke Bengali, but West Pakistan tried to impose Urdu, which caused even more frustration.
In 1970, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s party, the Awami League, won the elections in East Pakistan. This meant that he could become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. However, the Pakistan army, led by General Yahya Khan, arrested Mujibur Rahman and refused to let him take office. In retaliation, the Pakistan army launched a violent attack on East Pakistan, killing millions of people and raping women, especially targeting Hindus.
The news of this violence spread to India, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi became concerned. She met with Army Chief Sam Manekshaw, who asked for time to prepare for a military response. On 26th March 1971, East Pakistan declared its independence, but Pakistan refused to let them go. On 3rd December 1971, Pakistan attacked Indian Air Force bases, which led to India declaring war.
The war between India and Pakistan lasted until 16th December 1971, when Pakistan surrendered. Around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers were captured, and Bangladesh finally became an independent country with India’s help.
Sadly, today some people in Bangladesh have forgotten the role India played in their freedom. Recently, some leaders in Bangladesh even made claims to take parts of India, such as Assam, Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. In response, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee humorously said, "You will occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and we will have lollipops? Don't even think that."
On 16th December, the day Bangladesh was formed, it's important for them to remember how India helped them gain freedom from Pakistan’s atrocities.
