Context:
Leaders across the political lines paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1971 war, on the occasion of 52nd Vijay Diwas recently.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Vijay Diwas: Commemorating Triumph and Sacrifice
- Date of Commemoration: December 16 every year.
- Objective:
- Honor the victory of the Indian armed forces in the 1971 war against Pakistan.
- Pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
- International Observance:
- Also observed in Bangladesh as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ or Victory Day.
- Marks Bangladesh’s formal independence from Pakistan.
Historical Context:
- The 1971 war initiated due to the genocide by the Pakistani military regime in East Pakistan.
- Conflict arose after the Awami League’s victory in the 1970 elections.
- Pakistani military used force to influence results, leading to mass exodus from East Pakistan.
- India intervened and provided refuge to those fleeing.
Key Events:
- December 3, 1971: Pakistan launched air strikes on Indian airbases.
- Indira Gandhi instructed a full-scale war against Pakistan.
- ‘Operation Trident’ targeted Karachi Port, executed by the Indian Navy.
- December 16, 1971: India achieved a decisive triumph, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
- General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi of Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender, marking a significant military surrender.
Outcome:
- Creation of Bangladesh from former East Pakistan.
Significance:
- Marks one of the most substantial military surrenders post-World War II.
- Honors the courage and sacrifice of soldiers during the conflict.
-Source: Indian Express
