'1971 War Was Triumph Of Humanity,' Says Rajnath. Know Why India Observes Dec 16 As Vijay Diwas

Vijay Diwas is being held from Dec 14-18 this year to celebrate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war to liberate Bangladesh

New Delhi: Leaders remember the sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces as the country today celebrates Vijay Diwas to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war to liberate Bangladesh.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday tweeted, “On Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces.”

President of India Droupadi Murmu also said, “On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian.”

Significance of December 16 as Vijay Diwas

Vijay Diwas is being held from December 14-18 this year. The occasion is celebrated every year in India and Bangladesh where people offer homage to martyrs of the 1971 Liberation war. In Bangladesh, it is observed as 'Bijoy Dibos'.

The 1971 India-Pakistan War concluded on this day 51 years ago paving way for the creation of Bangladesh. This day holds immense significance for both nations. East Pakistan, formerly known as Bangladesh, ceased to exist after the war.

The war was triggered by the conflict in Pakistan after an East Pakistani party, the Awami League won the elections. Following this,  the Pakistani army began the barbaric slaughter of Bengali and Hindu residents of East Pakistan.

The exact figure of deaths is unknown but estimated to be between 3 to 5 million. In a bid to seek refuge and save their lives, about 8 to 10 million people moved to India.

The then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi also sought international intervention but the situation called for urgency. The war started when Pakistan launched airstrikes on 11 of India's air bases.

Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw under the directives of Gandhi launched a full-throttle war against Pakistan. India and the forces of Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) managed to capture around 15,010 kilometers of Pakistan's territory. This was also the first time when all three Indian forces fought together.

The 13-day war resulted in the Pakistan army surrendering before India with around 93,000 troops. The chief of the Pakistani Forces Maj General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi had surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian Army and Bangladesh’s Mukti Bahini. At that time, Niazi who was the Commander of the Pakistan Eastern Command, also signed the ‘Instrument of Surrender’ at Ramna Race Course on 16 December 1971 in Dhaka.

This also ended the Bangladesh Liberation War, which had started in March 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. About 3,800 soldiers from both countries lost their lives.

On August 2, 1972, India and Pakistan signed the Shimla Agreement under which the former agreed to release all the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war.