INDO-PAK WAR 1971

GS-1- history

Factors Leading to the Indo-Pak War of 1971

• The roots of the conflict can be traced back to 1905 when Viceroy Curzon divided Bengal along religious lines. This partition created East Bengal, which had a Muslim majority, and West Bengal, where Hindus were the majority.
• Following the partition of India in 1947, East Bengal became a part of Pakistan and was renamed East Pakistan. However, the two regions—East and West Pakistan—were not only geographically separated but also culturally and linguistically distinct. These differences led to significant challenges in governance. The only unifying factor between the two provinces was their shared religion.

The Language Controversy

• In 1948, Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared Urdu as the official language of Pakistan, requiring the predominantly Bangla-speaking population of East Pakistan to conform. This sparked widespread protests in East Pakistan, giving rise to the “Language Movement,” which advocated for the recognition of Bangla as an official language.
• The movement was spearheaded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who later became a prominent leader of the Awami League. The opposition to the imposition of Urdu by the Muslim League persisted throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, symbolizing East Pakistan’s struggle for cultural and linguistic rights.

Political Imbalance

• The governance of Pakistan was heavily dominated by West Pakistan, leaving the Bengali population of East Pakistan with little to no political influence. Despite East Pakistan having a larger population, it received disproportionately lower budget allocations. Additionally, Bengalis faced significant underrepresentation in key areas such as administration and the military, deepening the sense of marginalization and fostering resentment.

Cultural Differences

• The cultural divide between West and East Pakistan was profound. West Pakistan was dominated by Punjabi and Pashtun ethnicities, while East Pakistanis strongly identified with their Bengali heritage, often prioritizing ethnic identity over religious affiliation. East Pakistan also had a larger Hindu population, which led the West Pakistani administration to view them as less loyal to the state.
• West Pakistanis were more inclined toward the establishment of an Islamic state, whereas the Bengali population embraced their unique culture and language. The Bengali script and vocabulary, influenced by Hindu cultural elements, were deemed unacceptable by the West Pakistani elite.
• In the 1954 provincial elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s Awami League achieved a sweeping victory over the Muslim League. However, the West Pakistani leadership was unwilling to accept an East Pakistani leader ruling the country. Riots erupted, and the central government used the ensuing chaos as a pretext to impose governor’s rule, nullifying the election results.
• In 1956, Pakistan adopted its first constitution, declaring itself an Islamic Republic. Despite East Pakistan’s larger population, the national parliament was structured as a single house with equal representation for both East and West Pakistan, further deepening the political inequality.

Six-Point Movement (1966)

The Six-Point Movement, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sought greater autonomy for East Pakistan. The six demands were:

1. Establishing Pakistan as a federal state.
2. Assigning all subjects, except defense and foreign affairs, to the provinces.
3. Introducing a separate currency and fiscal policy for East Pakistan.
4. Granting taxation powers to the provinces.
5. Allowing East Pakistan control over trade and foreign exchange reserves.
6. Forming a separate military and naval force for the region.

Agartala Conspiracy Case (1968)

Mujibur Rahman traveled to Agartala, India, seeking support for East Pakistan’s independence. This led to accusations of sedition by Pakistan, with the government charging him for conspiring with India.

Bhola Cyclone (1970)

The Bhola Cyclone devastated East Pakistan, causing widespread floods and an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 deaths. The failure of Yahya Khan’s government to provide adequate relief fueled further resentment in East Pakistan.

1970 General Elections

The Awami League secured a landslide victory in the 1970 elections, but Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), dominant in West Pakistan, refused to acknowledge Mujibur Rahman’s leadership.

Rise of Independence Movement

Tensions escalated as civil disobedience spread across East Pakistan. On March 23, 1971, the flag of an independent Bangladesh was raised in Dhaka, marking the region’s formal call for sovereignty.

Operation Searchlight (March 25, 1971)

On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, aimed at suppressing the Bengali independence movement. The operation targeted Dhaka, with widespread violence against students, intellectuals, and civilians. Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the movement, was arrested and transported to West Pakistan.

Refugee Crisis

The brutal crackdown forced millions of Bangladeshis to flee to India, particularly to the states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura. The massive influx of refugees overwhelmed West Bengal, leading the state to seek urgent assistance from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to provide food and shelter for the displaced population.

Bengali Resistance: The Mukti Bahini

The Mukti Bahini, a Bengali armed resistance group, emerged to oppose the Pakistan Army’s oppressive actions. India played a significant role in supporting the Mukti Bahini by providing arms, training, and strategic assistance.

India’s Strategic Interests

India’s support for Bangladesh’s liberation was driven by both geopolitical and immediate concerns:

1. Geopolitical Strategy: A successful Bengali independence movement would stabilize India’s eastern frontier, reducing Pakistan’s influence in the region.
2. Refugee Crisis: The influx of millions of refugees was an enormous economic burden, pressuring India to address the root cause of the crisis.

International Dynamics

The global geopolitical landscape further complicated the situation. Amidst heightened Cold War tensions, India’s Friendship Treaty with the Soviet Union influenced its stance, while the United States, aligning with Pakistan, actively supported Islamabad throughout the conflict.

Timeline of the Indo-Pak War, 1971

December 3:

• Operation Chengiz Khan: Pakistan Air Force launches airstrikes on Indian airfields in the Western Sector, targeting cities like Amritsar, Pathankot, Srinagar, Avantipura, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara, and Agra.

December 3–6:

• The Indian Air Force retaliates by attacking Pakistani air bases in both the Western and Eastern sectors.
• Pakistani forces initiate ground attacks in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.

December 4:

• Battle of Longewala: Indian forces thwart a Pakistani advance toward Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

December 5:

• Battle of Ghazipur: Indian forces engage in East Pakistan.
• Battle of Basantar: A critical engagement in Pakistan’s Punjab near Shakargarh salient close to Sialkot.
• Battle of Dera Baba Nanak: Fierce fighting in Gurdaspur district, Punjab.

December 6:

• India formally recognizes Bangladesh as an independent nation.
• The city of Jessore in East Pakistan is liberated.

December 7:

• Battle of Sylhet and Moulovi Bazaar: Indian troops initiate operations in Bangladesh.

December 8:

• Operation Trident: The Indian Navy launches a successful attack on the Pakistani port city of Karachi.

December 9:

• Battle of Kushtia: Indian forces liberate Chandpur and Daudkandi in Bangladesh.
• Indian troops are airlifted across the Meghna River in a bold helicopter operation, accelerating the fall of Dhaka.

December 10:

• Chittagong airbase in Bangladesh is bombed by Indian Air Force aircraft.

December 11:

• Tangail Airdrop: An Indian Parachute Battalion is deployed to cut off retreating Pakistani troops in Bangladesh.

December 12–16:

• Indian forces push toward Dhaka and enter the city.

December 16:

• Surrender Ceremony:
  • Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi, Commander of Pakistan’s Eastern Command, surrenders to Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora, Commander of the Indian Eastern Command.
  • 93,000 Pakistani troops lay down arms, marking the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Post-War Developments:

• January 1972: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is released from prison and becomes the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
• Shimla Agreement (July 2, 1972):
  • India and Pakistan agree to recognize the Line of Control (LoC).
  • India returns captured territory to Pakistan and repatriates prisoners of war.
  • Both nations agree to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully.

Impact of the Indo-Pak War of 1971 on India-Bangladesh Relations

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 fundamentally reshaped India-Bangladesh relations by fostering a foundation of mutual cooperation and friendship. The war not only led to the creation of Bangladesh but also established India as a reliable ally in the region.

Strengthened Bilateral Ties

1. Strategic Partnership: The liberation of Bangladesh secured India’s eastern front, ensuring peace and stability in its northeastern states.
2. Economic Collaboration: Bangladesh is now India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, with immense opportunities for Indian investments due to Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth.
3. Connectivity Projects: Initiatives like the Maitri Setu Bridge over the Feni River at the Tripura-Bangladesh border highlight the importance of Bangladesh in India’s regional connectivity plans.

Cultural and Diplomatic Relations

1. Symbolic Recognition:
   • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Bangladesh, was posthumously honored with the Gandhi Peace Prize 2021.
   • Bangladesh was a special invitee during India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations.
   • President Ram Nath Kovind participated in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation war.
2. Joint Celebrations: On December 16, 2021, Bangladesh hosted a military parade marking 50 years of victory in the 1971 war, with India’s president as the guest of honor, reinforcing shared historical ties.

Geopolitical Significance

1. Regional Stability: Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in India’s efforts to maintain peace in South Asia and counteract external influences in the region.
2. Connectivity to Northeast India: Projects in Bangladesh enhance India’s access to its northeastern states, promoting regional integration and economic development.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 set the stage for a robust India-Bangladesh partnership that continues to thrive across economic, cultural, and geopolitical dimensions, making Bangladesh a vital ally for India.