1971 India-Pakistan War and the Birth of Bangladesh
Initiation of War
- Date: 3rd December 1971
- Operation: Chengiz Khan by Pakistan
- Targets: Multiple Indian airfields including Amritsar, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Ambala, Agra, Srinagar
- Retaliation: Indian Air Force retaliated
- Outcome: Start of 1971 India-Pakistan War leading to Bangladesh’s independence
Background of Bangladesh’s Struggle
Pre-British Rule
- Indian Subcontinent: Multiple autonomous kingdoms
- Bengal Region: Ruler mainly by Muslim monarchs from the 13th century, co-existence of Islam and Hinduism
British Rule and Partition
- Colonization: East India Company took over in 1757
- Partition of India (1947): Division based on religious lines, major displacement, and violence
- Impact on Bengal: Split into West Bengal (India) and East Bengal (Pakistan)
After Partition
- Pakistan’s Structure: Two parts, West Pakistan (Punjabis, Pakhtuns, Sindhis, Balochis) and East Pakistan (Bengalis)
- Power Imbalance: Concentration of power in West Pakistan despite East Pakistan’s larger population
- Economic and Political Disparities: Major economic development in West Pakistan, neglect of East Pakistan’s needs
Language and Cultural Conflict
- Urdu Imposition: West Pakistan enforced Urdu as the state language; resistance from Bengali-speaking East Pakistanis
- Language Movement: Protests on 21st February 1952, killings by army; led to Bangla becoming an official state language
Growing Discontent and Political Strife
- Six-Point Demand (1969): Led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for East Pakistan’s autonomy
- Election Results (1970): Awami League’s landslide victory in East Pakistan, rejected by West Pakistani elites
Civil Unrest and Crackdown
- Protests and Crackdown: Mass protests in East Pakistan, harsh crackdowns by West Pakistani army (Operation Searchlight)
- Declaration of Independence: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s declaration, formalized on 26th March 1971
Role of India
- Refugee Crisis: Over 10 million refugees fled to India; economic strain led to military intervention decision
- Military Preparation: Indira Gandhi prepared Indian military for intervention, training of Mukti Bahini
Indo-Pak War of 1971
- Start of War: Operation Chengiz Khan on 3rd December 1971
- War Strategy: Defensive in West Pakistan, offensive in East Pakistan
- International Involvement: UN interventions, Soviet Union veto, recognition of Bangladesh by India, Bhutan on 6th December 1971
- Surrender: Pakistani army surrendered on 16th December 1971; largest surrender since WWII
Aftermath
- Simla Agreement (1972): Pakistan recognized Bangladesh; return of prisoners of war and occupied territories
- Bangladesh’s Political Landscape: Post-independence turmoil, assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, military coups, return to democracy under Sheikh Hasina
Lessons and Reflections
- Language Imposition: Highlighting the dangers of imposing a single language on a diverse population
- Geopolitical Reality: The differing cultures and distances between East and West Pakistan made unity difficult
Recommended Further Learning: Explore Indira Gandhi’s 1975 Emergency for a deeper understanding of Indian political history.