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"DG BSF and all ranks condole the passing of Naik (retd) Bhairon Singh, Sena Medal, the hero of the Longewala battle during the 1971 war. BSF salutes his intrepid bravery, courage and dedication towards his duty," the force said in a tweet

Naik Rathore, hero of Longewala in 1971 India-Pakistan war passes away

"DG BSF and all ranks condole the passing of Naik (retd) Bhairon Singh, Sena Medal, the hero of the Longewala battle during the 1971 war. BSF salutes his intrepid bravery, courage and dedication towards his duty," the force said in a tweet

Bhairon Singh Rathore, BSF veteran and hero of Longewala in the 1971 war passed away in Jodhpur on Monday.
81-year-old Rathore died at AIIMS, Jodhpur due to age related ailments.
The braveheart commanded a small BSF unit at the Longewala post that decimated an assaulting Pakistani brigade and tank regiment on December 5, 1971.
Actor Suniel Shetty, who essayed Bhairon Singh Rathore's bravery in the 1997 movie 'Border', paid tributes on Twitter.
"Rest in power Naik Bhairon Singh Ji. Heartfelt condolences to the family," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks independence from Pakistan, President Kovind attends
President Ram Nath Kovind joined Bangladesh on Thursday in celebrating 50 years of its independence from Pakistan.
President Kovind was Guest of Honour at the parade to mark the historic event. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid reviewed the military parade in Dhaka as the national celebrations of Vijay Diwas began in the country.
India defeated Pakistan 50 years ago in 1971 and helped create Bangladesh. December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas.
President Kovind reached Dhaka om Tuesday on his maiden State Visit at the invitation of his counterpart M Abdul Hamid to attend the golden jubilee celebrations.
During his meeting with Hamid, President Kovind "reiterated that Bangladesh has a special place in India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy".
President Kovind called Hamid a “War Hero” and gifted him two replicas – a Russian made T-55 tank and Mig-21 vintage aircraft used during the 1971 war.
On his part, President Hamid described India as “a very close and faithful friend” of Bangladesh and recalled the overall cooperation of India in the 1971 Liberation War. He thanked the government and people of India.

Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks independence from Pakistan, President Kovind attends

Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence from Pakistan, President Kovind joins celebrations in Dhaka

Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence from Pakistan

President Ram Nath Kovind joined Bangladesh on Thursday in celebrating 50 years of its independence from Pakistan.
President Kovind was Guest of Honour at the parade to mark the historic event. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid reviewed the military parade in Dhaka as the national celebrations of Vijay Diwas began in the country.
India defeated Pakistan 50 years ago in 1971 and helped create Bangladesh. December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas.
President Kovind reached Dhaka om Tuesday on his maiden State Visit at the invitation of his counterpart Abdul Hamid to attend the golden jubilee celebrations.
During his meeting with Hamid, President Kovind "reiterated that Bangladesh has a special place in India&rsquo;s &lsquo;neighbourhood first&rsquo; policy".
President Kovind called Hamid a &ldquo;War Hero&rdquo; and gifted him two replicas &ndash; a Russian made T-55 tank and Mig-21 vintage aircraft used during the 1971 war.

50 years of 1971 war:&nbsp;India defeated Pakistan in 1971 and helped create Bangladesh. December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas.

Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks independence from Pakistan, President Kovind attends
President Ram Nath Kovind joined Bangladesh on Thursday in celebrating 50 years of its independence from Pakistan.
President Kovind was a Guest of Honour at the parade to mark the historic event. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid reviewed the military parade in Dhaka as the national celebrations of Vijay Diwas began in the country.
Also watch :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-pakistan-s-atrocities-india-s-intervention-bangladesh-s-liberation-a-timeline-1639381680701" target="_blank">50 years of 1971 war | Pakistan's atrocities, India's intervention &amp; Bangladesh's liberation - a timeline</a>
India defeated Pakistan 50 years ago in 1971 and helped create Bangladesh. December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas.
President Kovind reached Dhaka on Tuesday on his maiden State Visit at the invitation of his counterpart M Abdul Hamid to attend the golden jubilee celebrations.
During his meeting with Hamid, President Kovind "reiterated that Bangladesh has a special place in India&rsquo;s &lsquo;neighbourhood first&rsquo; policy".
Also watch :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-genocide-a-pakistani-journalist-s-account-of-the-bloodshed-in-bangladesh-1639482153460" target="_blank">50 years of 1971 war | 'Genocide', a Pakistani journalist's account of the bloodshed in Bangladesh</a>
President Kovind called Hamid a &ldquo;War Hero&rdquo; and gifted him two replicas &ndash; a Russian made T-55 tank and Mig-21 vintage aircraft used during the 1971 war.
On his part, President Hamid described India as &ldquo;a very close and faithful friend&rdquo; of Bangladesh and recalled the overall cooperation of India in the 1971 Liberation War. He thanked the government and the people of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to the valour and sacrifices of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian armed forces on the 50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. 
December 16 commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Bangladesh, then part of Pakistan, became an independent country after the war.
PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took part in the ceremony at National War Memorial to commemorate India's historic victory over Pakistan 50 years ago.
The Prime Minister took part in the reception ceremony of 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaals' at the War Memorial.
On December 16 last year, PM Modi had lit four victory torches from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in Delhi.They were carried to various parts of India, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, of the 1971 war.
"On the 50th Vijay Diwas, I recall the great valour and sacrifice by the Muktijoddhas, Biranganas and bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we fought and defeated oppressive forces. Rashtrapati Ji's presence in Dhaka is of special significance to every Indian," PM Modi tweeted earlier in the day.

Vijay Diwas 2021: PM Narendra Modi hails valour, sacrifice of Bangladeshi freedom fighters, India's forces

Vijay Diwas: PM Modi hails valour, sacrifice of Bangladeshi freedom fighters, India's forces on 50th anniversary of India's win over Pakistan in 1971

Vijay Diwas: PM Modi hails valour, sacrifice of Bangladeshi freedom fighters, India's forces

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to the valour and sacrifices of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian armed forces on the 50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. December 16 commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Bangladesh, then part of Pakistan, became an independent country after the war.
PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took part in the ceremony at National War Memorial to commemorate India's historic victory over Pakistan 50 years ago.
The Prime Minister took part in the reception ceremony of 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaals' at the War Memorial.
On December 16 last year, PM Modi had lit four victory torches from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in Delhi. They were carried to various parts of India, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, of the 1971 war.

50 years of 1971 war:&nbsp;December 16 commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and creation of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to the valour and sacrifices of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian armed forces on the <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-genocide-a-pakistani-journalist-s-account-of-the-bloodshed-in-bangladesh-1639482153460">50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas</a>.
December 16 commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Bangladesh, then part of Pakistan, became an independent country after the war.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-pakistan-s-atrocities-india-s-intervention-bangladesh-s-liberation-a-timeline-1639381680701" target="_blank">&nbsp;50 years of 1971 war | Pakistan's atrocities, India's intervention &amp; Bangladesh's liberation - a timeline</a>
PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took part in the ceremony at National War Memorial to commemorate India's historic victory over Pakistan 50 years ago.
The Prime Minister took part in the reception ceremony of 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaals' at the War Memorial.
On December 16 last year, PM Modi had lit four victory torches from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in Delhi.They were carried to various parts of India, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, of the 1971 war.
"On the 50th Vijay Diwas, I recall the great valour and sacrifice by the Muktijoddhas, Biranganas and bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we fought and defeated oppressive forces. Rashtrapati Ji's presence in Dhaka is of special significance to every Indian," PM Modi tweeted earlier in the day.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-what-army-chief-sam-manekshaw-told-pm-indira-gandhi-when-asked-if-he-was-ready-1639381485082">50 years of 1971 war | What Army chief Sam Manekshaw told PM Indira Gandhi when asked if he was ready</a>

The year is 1971. The world is divided, like always. In the larger ambit of Cold War, the bipolar world has been witnessing a revolution to overthrow an oppressive regime in East Pakistan. The perpetrators were their religious compatriots in West Pakistan.
The nation carved out of a communal division of the Indian subcontinent, a nation aptly described by Salman Rushdie as a bird with two wings and no body.
The world at large was waking up to West Pakistani atrocities but the Richard Nixon administration in US decided to look the other way as it considered Pakistan a close Cold War ally. US was also using Pakistan as a channel to begin a conversation with China.
It planned to use the ties of convenience between Pakistan and China post the 1962 Sino-India war to its advantage.
US, a South Vietnam ally, needed China, a North Vietnam ally, to end the Vietnam War without having to admit defeat. Nixon was up for re-elections next year.
What made it more imperative for Nixon to seal ties with China is India deviating from its non-alignment policy in the Cold War and signing a friendship treaty in August 1971 with the Soviet Union &ndash; US&rsquo; rival.
In a bid to boost Pakistan&rsquo;s morale and to get China to make a move against India, US despatched a 10-ship naval fleet to the Bay of Bengal. But India had the Soviets send a message to Nixon warning against interference.
Richard Nixon and his adviser Henry Kissinger were hoping for China&rsquo;s intervention but Mao Zedong was wary after the dramatic military escalation by the Soviets during 1969 border crisis and knew that even limited coercive actions against India would invite immediate reprisals from Moscow.
Meanwhile, the US consul general in East Pakistan, Archer Kent Blood, regularly reported events to the White House but he received no reply.
Although his initial cables, popularly called &lsquo;Blood Telegram&rsquo;, failed to elicit a response from his government, they caused a stir within the American public when they were leaked, prompting Pakistan's foreign ministry to complain to the US government. Nixon then recalled Blood from Dhaka.

50 years of 1971 war | 1971 India-Pak war: role of US, China and USSR

The world at large was waking up to West Pakistani atrocities but the Richard Nixon administration in US decided to look the other way as it considered Pakistan a close Cold War ally.

The world at large was waking up to West Pakistani atrocities but the Richard Nixon administration in US decided to look the other way as it considered Pakistan a close Cold War ally.

The year is 1971. The world is divided, like always. In the larger ambit of Cold War, the bipolar world has been witnessing a revolution to overthrow an oppressive regime in East Pakistan. The perpetrators were their religious compatriots in West Pakistan.
The nation carved out of a communal division of the Indian subcontinent, a nation aptly described by Salman Rushdie as a bird with two wings and no body.
The world at large was waking up to West Pakistani atrocities but the Richard Nixon administration in US decided to look the other way as it considered Pakistan a close Cold War ally. US was also using Pakistan as a channel to begin a conversation with China.
It planned to use the ties of convenience between Pakistan and China post the 1962 Sino-India war to its advantage.
US, a South Vietnam ally, needed China, a North Vietnam ally, to end the Vietnam War without having to admit defeat. Nixon was up for re-elections next year.
What made it more imperative for Nixon to seal ties with China is India deviating from its non-alignment policy in the Cold War and signing a friendship treaty in August 1971 with the Soviet Union &ndash; US&rsquo; rival.
In a bid to boost Pakistan&rsquo;s morale and to get China to make a move against India, US despatched a 10-ship naval fleet to the Bay of Bengal. But India had the Soviets send a message to Nixon warning against interference.
Richard Nixon and his adviser Henry Kissinger were hoping for China&rsquo;s intervention but Mao Zedong was wary after the dramatic military escalation by the Soviets during 1969 border crisis and knew that even limited coercive actions against India would invite immediate reprisals from Moscow.
Meanwhile, the US consul general in East Pakistan, Archer Kent Blood, regularly reported events to the White House but he received no reply.
Although his initial cables, popularly called &lsquo;Blood Telegram&rsquo;, failed to elicit a response from his government, they caused a stir within the American public when they were leaked, prompting Pakistan's foreign ministry to complain to the US government. Nixon then recalled Blood from Dhaka.

“Abdul Bari had run out of luck
Like thousands of other people in East Bengal, he had made the mistake, the fatal mistake of running within sight of a Pakistani army patrol. He was 24 years old, a slight man surrounded by soldiers. He was trembling, because he was about to be shot.”
This article written by Anthony Mascarenhas, a Pakistani journalist of Goan descent and published in The Sunday Times in June 1971 played a crucial role in alerting the world about the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army on the minorities in what was then East Pakistan.
“‘Why kill him?’ I asked with mounting concern. ‘Because he might be a Hindu or he might be a rebel, perhaps a student or an Awami Leaguer. They know we are sorting them out and they betray themselves by running.’”
A BBC reports says that the then editor of Sunday Times Harold Evans even recalled that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told him that she was deeply shocked by what she read, setting her on track to prepare for India’s intervention. Across the world, especially in the sub-continent, the article was received in differently. 
"But why are you killing them? And why pick on the Hindus?" I persisted. "Must I remind you," Rathore said severely, "how they have tried to destroy Pakistan? Now under the cover of the fighting we have an excellent opportunity of finishing them off."
Mascarenhas, along with other journalists, was taken on a tour of East Pakistan by the military where he said he saw crimes being committed against the people with his own eyes. Being well aware that publishing an article that would expose the establishment was not possible with the military censor in Pakistan, Mascrenhas, who worked for The Morning News (Karachi), approached The Sunday Times to have his article printed. 
“I was getting my first glimpse of the stain of blood which has spread over the otherwise verdant land of East Bengal. First it was the massacre of the non-Bengalis in a savage outburst of Bengali hatred. Now it was massacre, deliberately carried out by the West Pakistan army.”
“The West Pakistani soldiers are not the only ones who have been killing in East Bengal, of course. On the night of March 25 -- and this I was allowed to report by the Pakistani censor -- the Bengali troops and paramilitary units stationed in East Pakistan mutinied and attacked non-Bengalis with atrocious savagery.”
Anthony Mascarenhas had to arrange for his family to leave Pakistan before the article was out. He took them to London. The day after the family reached England, the article was published on July 13, 1971.
“‘We are determined to cleanse East Pakistan once and for all of the threat of secession, even if it means killing of two million people and ruling the province as a colony for 30 years,’ I was repeatedly told by senior military and civil officers in Dacca and Comilla.”
Once it was out, it caused huge uproar across the world and changed the course of the War. 
By Bangladesh, Mascarenhas is still remembered fondly and the article is still on display in the nation’s Liberation War Museum.“Everywhere I found officers and men fashioning imaginative garments of justification from the fabric of their own prejudices. Scapegoats had to be found to legitimise, even for their own consciences, the dreadful "solution" to what in essence was a political problem: the Bengalis won the election and wanted to rule.”
To Pakistan, it was a huge betrayal, as army officers deeply trusted Mascarenhas and had discussed everything openly in front of him, as written in ‘Genocide’. Anthony Mascarenhas was accused of being an enemy agent. The country denied claims made in the article and went on to blame Indian propaganda. 
“Officials privately justify what has been done as retaliation for the massacre of the non-Bengalis before the army moved in. But events suggest that the pogrom was not the result of a spontaneous or undisciplined reaction. It was planned.”

50 years of 1971 war | 'Genocide', a Pakistani journalist's account of the bloodshed in Bangladesh

Anthony Mascarenhas, a Pakistani journalist risked earning the ire of his country's leaders and wrote at length about the atrocities committed by the West Pakistani army on Bengalis in East Pakistan. Here are some excerpts from his article 'Genocide' that appeared in June 1971. 

Anthony Mascarenhas, a Pakistani journalist risked earning the ire of his country's leaders and wrote at length about the atrocities committed by the West Pakistani army on Bengalis in East Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&ldquo;Abdul Bari had run out of luck
Like thousands of other people in East Bengal, he had made the mistake, the fatal mistake of running within sight of a Pakistani army patrol. He was 24 years old, a slight man surrounded by soldiers. He was trembling, because he was about to be shot.&rdquo;
This article written by Anthony Mascarenhas, a Pakistani journalist of Goan descent and published in The Sunday Times in June 1971 played a crucial role in alerting the world about the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army on the minorities in what was then East Pakistan.
&ldquo;&lsquo;Why kill him?&rsquo; I asked with mounting concern. &lsquo;Because he might be a Hindu or he might be a rebel, perhaps a student or an Awami Leaguer. They know we are sorting them out and they betray themselves by running.&rsquo;&rdquo;
A BBC reports says that the then editor of Sunday Times Harold Evans even recalled that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told him that she was deeply shocked by what she read, setting her on track to prepare for India&rsquo;s intervention. Across the world, especially in the sub-continent, the article was received in differently.&nbsp;
"But why are you killing them? And why pick on the Hindus?" I persisted. "Must I remind you," Rathore said severely, "how they have tried to destroy Pakistan? Now under the cover of the fighting we have an excellent opportunity of finishing them off."
Mascarenhas, along with other journalists, was taken on a tour of East Pakistan by the military where he said he saw crimes being committed against the people with his own eyes. Being well aware that publishing an article that would expose the establishment was not possible with the military censor in Pakistan, Mascrenhas, who worked for The Morning News (Karachi), approached The Sunday Times to have his article printed.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I was getting my first glimpse of the stain of blood which has spread over the otherwise verdant land of East Bengal. First it was the massacre of the non-Bengalis in a savage outburst of Bengali hatred. Now it was massacre, deliberately carried out by the West Pakistan army.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The West Pakistani soldiers are not the only ones who have been killing in East Bengal, of course. On the night of March 25 -- and this I was allowed to report by the Pakistani censor -- the Bengali troops and paramilitary units stationed in East Pakistan mutinied and attacked non-Bengalis with atrocious savagery.&rdquo;
Anthony Mascarenhas had to arrange for his family to leave Pakistan before the article was out. He took them to London. The day after the family reached England, the article was published on July 13, 1971.
&ldquo;&lsquo;We are determined to cleanse East Pakistan once and for all of the threat of secession, even if it means killing of two million people and ruling the province as a colony for 30 years,&rsquo; I was repeatedly told by senior military and civil officers in Dacca and Comilla.&rdquo;
Once it was out, it caused huge uproar across the world and changed the course of the War.&nbsp;
By Bangladesh, Mascarenhas is still remembered fondly and the article is still on display in the nation&rsquo;s Liberation War Museum. &ldquo;Everywhere I found officers and men fashioning imaginative garments of justification from the fabric of their own prejudices. Scapegoats had to be found to legitimise, even for their own consciences, the dreadful "solution" to what in essence was a political problem: the Bengalis won the election and wanted to rule.&rdquo;
To Pakistan, it was a huge betrayal, as army officers deeply trusted Mascarenhas and had discussed everything openly in front of him, as written in &lsquo;Genocide&rsquo;. Anthony Mascarenhas was accused of being an enemy agent. The country denied claims made in the article and went on to blame Indian propaganda.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Officials privately justify what has been done as retaliation for the massacre of the non-Bengalis before the army moved in. But events suggest that the pogrom was not the result of a spontaneous or undisciplined reaction. It was planned.&rdquo;

One of the four torches or mashaals, which were taken around the country in commemoration of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, returned to Delhi on Monday.
On December 16 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lit four victory torches from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in Delhi.They were carried to various parts of India, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, of the 1971 war.
India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate its victory over Pakistan during the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. This is the 50th year of the creation of Bangladesh is being celebrated in a grand manner.
The torch will be taken to the National War Memorial where the flames will be merged with its eternal flame on December 16.

50 years of 1971 war: Victory flame that was lit by PM Modi arrives in Delhi

50 years of 1971 war: Victory flame that was lit by PM Modi last year arrives in Delhi

50 years of creation of Bangladesh, India celebrates

50 years of creation of Bangladesh, India celebrates
Victory flame that was lit by PM Modi arrives in Delhi
4 flames were lit from war memorial eternal flame
Flames taken around the country to mark 1971 was win
India defeated Pakistan in 1971, helped create Bangladesh

Four flames were taken around the country in commemoration of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war

One of the four torches or mashaals, which were taken around the country in commemoration of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, returned to Delhi on Monday.
On December 16 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lit four victory torches from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in Delhi.They were carried to various parts of India, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, of the 1971 war.
India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate its victory over Pakistan during the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. This is the 50th year of the creation of Bangladesh is being celebrated in a grand manner.
The torch will be taken to the National War Memorial where the flames will be merged with its eternal flame on December 16.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-what-army-chief-sam-manekshaw-told-pm-indira-gandhi-when-asked-if-he-was-ready-1639381485082" target="_blank">50 years of 1971 war | What Army chief Sam Manekshaw told PM Indira Gandhi when asked if he was ready</a>

Fifty years since the 1971 war which led to the independence of Bangladesh. Each country involved in the conflict remembers it in a different manner.
Bangladesh remembers it as the Bengali people&rsquo;s struggle against an oppressive Pakistan army. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan remember it as the third Indo-Pakistan war.
What escalated the war?
The struggle for rights for Bengalis started after Pakistan gained independence as a country with two connecting territories known as West Pakistan (today&rsquo;s Pakistan) and East Pakistan (today&rsquo;s Bangladesh).
Pakistan refused to accept Bengali as a state language in the early years after Partition. Many Bengali Muslims strongly objected to the Islamist paradigm imposed by the Pakistani state. Economic disparity, the hegemony of the West Pakistani ruling elite over martial laws, cultural and linguistic differences, ideology, were all the burning points for the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971.
In December 1970, tensions heightened when the Awami League party, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman based in East Pakistan, won the national elections but West Pakistan parties, namely the Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP), refused to hand over power.
What led to India&rsquo;s intervention?
In 1971, the Pakistani military began a violent crackdown to suppress the Bengali opposition and the rallies taken out against them. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested and taken to West Pakistan.
As the violence escalated, a large number of refugees streamed into Indian territory, which gave India paved the way for India&rsquo;s intervention.
An investigative commission set up by Pakistan claims 26,000 people were killed in the army&rsquo;s targeted killings, but Bangladesh places the figure at 3 million.
The liberation of Bangladesh: a timeline
March 25, 1971: Pakistan army launches Operation Searchlight, attacks civilians, politicians, and police
March 26: Sheikh Mujibur Rehman declares independence, arrested minutes later
April 1: Pakistan Army continues attacks, civilians in 9-hour Jinjira offensive
May 15: India starts helping Mukti Bahini, Bangladesh&rsquo;s guerilla resistance forces
August 15: Operation Jackpot: Mukti Bahini aided by Indian military launches a series of attacks against the Pakistan Army
September &ndash; December: India along with Bangladeshi forces engage in several battles with Pakistan
December 3: Pakistan launches airstrikes on India after Bangladesh destroys its oil depots
December 3: PM Indira Gandhi says airstrikes are a declaration of war, India officially joins the war
December 4: Battle of Longewala &ndash; India successfully thwarts Pakistan&rsquo;s attack in the western sector of Rajasthan
December 4-5: Operation Trident &ndash; Indian Navy&rsquo;s attack on Pakistan ships near Karachi port
December 7: Battle of Sylhet begins, leads to liberation of Jessore, Sylhet
December 8: Operation Python: India navy launches another attack on Pakistan ships in Karachi
December 11: Hilli, Mymenshingh, Kushtia and Noakhali liberated
December 16: Pakistan surrenders, General Niazi signs the instrument of surrender. Bangladesh is liberated.
&nbsp;

50 years of 1971 war | Pakistan's atrocities, India's intervention & Bangladesh's liberation - a timeline

As India celebrates 50 years since its victory over Pakistan, here's a look at the events that led to the 1971 war resulting in the formation of Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh remembers the 1971 war as the Bengali people&rsquo;s struggle against an oppressive Pakistan army. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan remember it as the third Indo-Pakistan war.

Fifty years since the 1971 war which led to the independence of Bangladesh. Each country involved in the conflict remembers it in a different manner.
Bangladesh remembers it as the Bengali people&rsquo;s struggle against an oppressive Pakistan army. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan remember it as the third Indo-Pakistan war.
What escalated the war?
The struggle for rights for Bengalis started after Pakistan gained independence as a country with two connecting territories known as West Pakistan (today&rsquo;s Pakistan) and East Pakistan (today&rsquo;s Bangladesh).
Pakistan refused to accept Bengali as a state language in the early years after Partition. Many Bengali Muslims strongly objected to the Islamist paradigm imposed by the Pakistani state. Economic disparity, the hegemony of the West Pakistani ruling elite over martial laws, cultural and linguistic differences, ideology, were all the burning points for the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971.
In December 1970, tensions heightened when the Awami League party, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman based in East Pakistan, won the national elections but West Pakistan parties, namely the Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP), refused to hand over power.
What led to India&rsquo;s intervention?
In 1971, the Pakistani military began a violent crackdown to suppress the Bengali opposition and the rallies taken out against them. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested and taken to West Pakistan.
As the violence escalated, a large number of refugees streamed into Indian territory, which gave India paved the way for India&rsquo;s intervention.
An investigative commission set up by Pakistan claims 26,000 people were killed in the army&rsquo;s targeted killings, but Bangladesh places the figure at 3 million.
The liberation of Bangladesh: a timeline
March 25, 1971: Pakistan army launches Operation Searchlight, attacks civilians, politicians, and police
March 26: Sheikh Mujibur Rehman declares independence, arrested minutes later
April 1: Pakistan Army continues attacks, civilians in 9-hour Jinjira offensive
May 15: India starts helping Mukti Bahini, Bangladesh&rsquo;s guerilla resistance forces
August 15: Operation Jackpot: Mukti Bahini aided by Indian military launches a series of attacks against the Pakistan Army
September &ndash; December: India along with Bangladeshi forces engage in several battles with Pakistan
December 3: Pakistan launches airstrikes on India after Bangladesh destroys its oil depots
December 3: PM Indira Gandhi says airstrikes are a declaration of war, India officially joins the war
December 4: Battle of Longewala &ndash; India successfully thwarts Pakistan&rsquo;s attack in the western sector of Rajasthan
December 4-5: Operation Trident &ndash; Indian Navy&rsquo;s attack on Pakistan ships near Karachi port
December 7: Battle of Sylhet begins, leads to liberation of Jessore, Sylhet
December 8: Operation Python: India navy launches another attack on Pakistan ships in Karachi
December 11: Hilli, Mymenshingh, Kushtia and Noakhali liberated
December 16: Pakistan surrenders, General Niazi signs the instrument of surrender. Bangladesh is liberated.
&nbsp;

Field Marshal Sam ‘Bahadur’ Manekshaw  - the chief architect of India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.  
Legend goes that just before the war began Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked the Army Chief if he was ready and he had replied saying ‘I am always ready, sweetie’.
But there was a time when he wasn’t and he minced no words conveying that to the PM.  This is the story of that time as narrated by him years later.  
In April 1971 when refugees started pouring into India’s bordering states from East Pakistan because of West Pakistan’s offensive, the PM called for a cabinet meeting and also summoned Army Chief Manekshaw for it and asked -  
Indira Gandhi: What are you doing about it? 
Sam Manekshaw: Nothing, it's got nothing to do with me. You didn't consult me when you allowed the BSF, the CRP and RAW to encourage the Pakistanis to revolt. Now that you are in trouble, you come to me. I have a long nose. I know what's happening.
Indira Gandhi: I want you to enter Pakistan. 
Sam Manekshaw: That means war! 
Indira Gandhi: I do not mind if it is war. 
Sam Manekshaw: God said let there be light and there was light. Now you say let there be war and there will be war.  But are you prepared? I am certainly not. This is the end of April. The Himalayan passes are opening and there can be an attack from China. 
Sam Manekshaw then went on to tell PM Indira Gandhi that he would need all the road space and the entire railway network to move his men and in peak harvest season that meant that the produce wouldn’t be able to be transported and it would rot. He explained to her how the rains in East Pakistan would adversely affect the troop movement and that Air Force would not be able to provide support because of the weather.  
 Sam Manekshaw: My armoured division is supposed to have 189 tanks operational but only 11 are fit to fight. 
And when the Finance Minister asked him why only 11 tanks were operational, the Army Chief had a quip for him too. 
Sam Manekshaw: Because you are the Finance Minister. I have been asking you for money over a year and you say you haven’t got it. 
Sam Manekshaw: Now Prime Minister, give me your orders.  
The grim Prime Minister with her teeth clenched replied -
 Indira Gandhi: The Cabinet will meet again at four o'clock. 
 
As the ministers started to leave the PM asked the Chief to stay back.  
 Sam Manekshaw: Resignation on grounds of health, mental or physical? 
Indira Gandhi: Everything you told me is true. 
Sam Manekshaw: Yes! It is my job to tell you the truth. And it is my job to fight, it is my job to fight to win and I have to tell you the truth. 
Indira Gandhi: All right Sam, you know what I want? 
Sam Manekshaw: Yes, I know what you want 
7 months later on December 3, India went to war with Pakistan... on 16th December Pakistan Army surrendered, India won and Bangladesh gained its independence.   
 

50 years of 1971 war | What Army chief Sam Manekshaw told PM Indira Gandhi when asked if he was ready

Just before the 1971 India-Pak war began, PM Indira Gandhi asked Army Chief Sam Manekshaw if he was ready and he had replied saying ‘I am always ready, sweetie’. But there was a time when he wasn’t. As India celebrates 50 years of the war, editorji brings to you that story as narrated by Sam Manekshaw years later.  

Just before the 1971 India-Pak war, PM&nbsp;Indira Gandhi asked Army Chief Sam&nbsp;Manekshaw&nbsp;if he was ready and he had replied saying &lsquo;I am always ready, sweetie&rsquo;. But there was a time when he wasn&rsquo;t.&nbsp;

Field Marshal Sam &lsquo;Bahadur&rsquo;&nbsp;Manekshaw&nbsp; -&nbsp;the chief architect of&nbsp;India&rsquo;s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Legend goes that just before the war began&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;Indira&nbsp;Gandhi asked the Army Chief if he was ready and he had replied saying &lsquo;I am always ready, sweetie&rsquo;.
But there was a time when he wasn&rsquo;t and he minced no&nbsp;words conveying that to the PM.&nbsp; This is the story of that time as narrated by him years later.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/50-years-of-1971-war-pakistan-s-atrocities-india-s-intervention-bangladesh-s-liberation-a-timeline-1639381680701">50 years of 1971 war | Pakistan's atrocities, India's intervention &amp; Bangladesh's liberation - a timeline</a>
In April 1971 when refugees started pouring into India&rsquo;s bordering states from East Pakistan because of West Pakistan&rsquo;s offensive, the PM called for a cabinet meeting and also summoned Army Chief&nbsp;Manekshaw&nbsp;for it and asked -&nbsp;&nbsp;
Indira&nbsp;Gandhi: What are you doing about it?&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: Nothing, it's got nothing to do with me. You didn't consult me when you allowed the BSF, the CRP and RAW to encourage the Pakistanis to revolt. Now that you are in trouble, you come to me. I have a long nose. I know what's happening.
Indira&nbsp;Gandhi: I want you to enter Pakistan.&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: That means war!&nbsp;
Indira&nbsp;Gandhi: I do not mind if it is war.&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: God said let there be light and there was light. Now you say let there be war and there will be war.&nbsp;&nbsp;But are you prepared? I am certainly not. This is the end of April. The Himalayan passes are opening and there can be an attack from China.&nbsp;
Sam&nbsp;Manekshaw&nbsp;then went&nbsp;on&nbsp;to tell PM&nbsp;Indira&nbsp;Gandhi that he would need all the road space and the entire railway&nbsp;network to move his men and in peak harvest season that meant that the produce wouldn&rsquo;t be able to&nbsp;be&nbsp;transported&nbsp;and it would rot. He explained to her how the rains in East&nbsp;Pakistan would adversely affect the troop movement and that Air Force would not be able to provide support because of the weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;Sam Manekshaw: My armoured division is supposed to have 189 tanks operational but only 11 are fit to fight.&nbsp;
And when the Finance Minister asked him why only 11 tanks were operational, the Army Chief had a quip for him too.&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: Because you are the Finance Minister. I have been asking you for money over a year and you say you haven&rsquo;t got it.&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: Now Prime Minister, give me your orders. &nbsp;
The grim Prime Minister with her teeth clenched replied -
&nbsp;Indira&nbsp;Gandhi: The Cabinet will meet again at four o'clock.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
As the ministers started to leave&nbsp;the PM asked the Chief to stay back.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;Sam Manekshaw: Resignation on grounds of health, mental or physical?&nbsp;
Indira&nbsp;Gandhi: Everything you told me is true.&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: Yes! It is my job to tell you the truth. And it is my job to fight, it is my job to fight to win and I have to tell you the truth.&nbsp;
Indira&nbsp;Gandhi: All right Sam, you know what I want?&nbsp;
Sam Manekshaw: Yes, I know what you want&nbsp;
7 months later&nbsp;on December 3, India went to war&nbsp;with Pakistan... on 16th&nbsp;December Pakistan Army surrendered, India won&nbsp;and Bangladesh&nbsp;gained its independence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the 1971 India-Pakistan war proves that the partition of India along religious lines was a 'historic mistake'. 
The minister made the statement at at the inauguration of “Swarnim Vijay Parv” at India Gate in the national capital, marking 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 war. 
Singh added that India won the direct war against Pakistan in 1971 and it will also win the ongoing indirect war against Pakistan-induced terrorism. 
Pakistan wants to break India by promoting terrorism and other anti-India activities, Rajnath Singh said. 

Partition of India on religious lines a historic mistake: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the 1971 India-Pakistan war proves that the partition of India along religious lines was a 'historic mistake'. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the 1971 India-Pakistan war proves that the partition of India along religious lines was a 'historic mistake'.&nbsp;
The minister made the statement at&nbsp;at the inauguration of &ldquo;Swarnim Vijay Parv&rdquo; at India Gate in the national capital, marking 50 years of India&rsquo;s victory in the 1971 war.&nbsp;
Singh&nbsp;added that&nbsp;India won the direct war against Pakistan in 1971 and it will also win the ongoing indirect war against Pakistan-induced terrorism.&nbsp;
BITE:&nbsp;The 1971 war showed that India's division -- at the time of its independence from the British rule -- in the name of a religion was a "historic mistake"

Singh&nbsp;added that&nbsp;India won the direct war against Pakistan in 1971 and it will also win the ongoing indirect war against Pakistan-induced terrorism.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the 1971 India-Pakistan war proves that the partition of India along religious lines was a 'historic mistake'.&nbsp;
The minister made the statement at the inauguration of &ldquo;Swarnim Vijay Parv&rdquo; at India Gate in the national capital, marking 50 years of India&rsquo;s victory in the 1971 war.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-solution-to-pain-of-partition-is-undoing-it-1637895359341">RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat: Solution to pain of Partition is undoing it</a>
Singh&nbsp;added that&nbsp;India won the direct war against Pakistan in 1971 and it will also win the ongoing indirect war against Pakistan-induced terrorism.&nbsp;
Pakistan wants to break India by promoting terrorism and other anti-India activities, Rajnath&nbsp;Singh&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

Commodore Kasargod Patnashetti Gopal Rao, a 1971 war hero and recipient of Mahavir Chakra&nbsp;breathed his last on Monday.
The 94-year-old naval veteran died of age-related illness and was cremated&nbsp;with full military honours by the Navy at the Besant Nagar Crematorium in Chennai.
Rao was a recipient of the Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) also.
He played a key role in the war with Pakistan to liberate East Pakistan that is now Bangladesh.
During the 197 war, he was appointed as Commanding Officer of INS Kiltan and on the night of December 4-5, "Rao led his Task Group to invade deep into enemy waters and bombarded the Karachi Port setting fire to oil and other installations in the harbour."
&nbsp;

Commodore Gopal Rao: war hero who bombarded Karachi port in 1971 no more

Commodore Kasargod Patnashetti Gopal Rao, a 1971 war hero and recipient of Mahavir Chakra, who had bombed Karachi Port,&nbsp;breathed his last on Monday.

Commodore Gopal Rao, a 1971 war hero, passes away
94-year-old veteran cremated&nbsp;with full military honours&nbsp;
Rao was a recipient of the Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) also.
Rao played a key role in the war with Pakistan to liberate East Pakistan&nbsp;
During the 1971 war, he was appointed as Commanding Officer of INS Kiltan Rao led his Task Group to invade deep into Pak waters He bombarded the Karachi Port setting fire to oil and other installations

The 94-year-old naval veteran&nbsp;Commodore Gopal Rao died of age-related illness and was cremated&nbsp;with full military honours by the Navy at the Besant Nagar Crematorium in Chennai.

Commodore Kasargod Patnashetti Gopal Rao, a 1971 war hero and recipient of Mahavir Chakra&nbsp;breathed his last on Monday.
The 94-year-old naval veteran died of age-related illness and was cremated&nbsp;with full military honours by the Navy at the Besant Nagar Crematorium in Chennai.
Rao was a recipient of the Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) also.
He played a key role in the war with Pakistan to liberate East Pakistan that is now Bangladesh.
During the 1971 war, he was appointed as Commanding Officer of INS Kiltan and on the night of December 4-5, "Rao led his Task Group to invade deep into enemy waters and bombarded the Karachi Port setting fire to oil and other installations in the harbour."
&nbsp;

In a first, a contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces marched in the Republic Day parade on Tuesday. The participation was to commemorate 50 years of the country's Liberation War in 1971 and establishment of diplomatic ties with India. The 122-member strong Bangladeshi contingent was led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan. This is the third time that a contingent from a foreign country has taken part in the Republic Day celebrations. The other two countries being France in 2016 and the UAE in 2017.

Bangladesh Army team in R-Day parade to mark 50 yrs of 1971 war 

In a first, a contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces marched in the Republic Day parade to commemorate 50 years of the country's Liberation War in 1971

In a first, a contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces marched in the Republic Day parade on Tuesday. The participation was to commemorate 50 years of the country's Liberation War in 1971 and establishment of diplomatic ties with India. The 122-member strong Bangladeshi contingent was led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan. This is the third time that a contingent from a foreign country has taken part in the Republic Day celebrations. The other two countries being France in 2016 and the UAE in 2017.

88th Indian Air Force Day: Acts Of Bravery

1971 WAR In December 1971, Pakistan launched airstrikes on India amidst independence movement and West Pakistan&rsquo;s genocide in Bangladesh (then East Pak) - war declared afterwards. IAF played key role in assisting army on both Western and Eastern fronts of war. Destroyed more than 20 tanks on the Western end alone.
Reportedly destroyed 94 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircrafts in the war which ended in 13 days (3 to 16 December). Also aided through raids on industries. Raid on Attock Oil Refinery most notable as it caused &ldquo;extensive damage&rdquo; to Pakistan&rsquo;s oil supply.
KARGIL WAR IAF launched Operation &lsquo;Safed Sagar&rsquo; during the 1999 Kargil war - played key role in delivering victory for India. The IAF aided in demolishing Pakistani ground structures at high altitudes in Kargil. Flew 10-11 strike missions per day.
Demolished several defence complexes in Batalik sub-sector - one of the most important strategic locations in the war Notably destroyed Pakistani camps around. Tiger Hill located at 5,307 m altitude - allowed Army to capture the strategically vital point.
BALAKOT AIRSTRIKES Most recent example is the Balakot airstrikes of 2019. Done after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in suicide bombing in Pulwama - Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took responsibility. 26 February, 2019: IAF launched airstrikes at JeM camp in Balakot (Pakistan).
12 Mirage-2000 fighter jets were used to drop bombs weighing 1,000 kg - caused &ldquo;complete destruction&rdquo; of terrorist camps. Pakistan Air Force jets reportedly tried to chase after the IAF jets on their way back, but could not touch the Indian planes.
 BIJU PATNAIK AND THE TOP SECRET INDONESIAN MISSION Former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik, father of current Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, was an IAF pilot - later founded the Kalinga airlines which merged into Indian Airlines in 1953. Indonesia gained independence in 1945 from Netherlands. However, Netherlands invaded again in 1947. On PM Nehru&rsquo;s request, Biju and his wife Gyana Devi flew one of their planes to Indonesia in July 1947 amidst Dutch threat of attacking the planes. Ferried back Indonesian PM Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to India. Sjahrir and Hatta were key in drawing World pressure on the Dutch who eventually withdrew from Indonesia.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, an IAF fighter pilot was conferred the Vir Chakra Gallantry award in August 2019. During the 2019 India&ndash;Pakistan standoff, he was held captive in Pakistan for 60 hours, after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight, and later released.

1971 war

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