1971 – India's Greatest Victory
SP's Land Forces|December 2020 - January 2021
As India celebrates 50 years of victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, SP’s Land Forces looks at how the Indian Army with the support of the IAF and the Indian Navy, bulldozed its way to the liberation of East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) to achieve one of the greatest victories by any modern-day military
1971 – India's Greatest Victory

LT GENERAL P.C. KATOCH (RETD)

THE DEMOLITION OF EAST Pakistan leading to the birth of Bangladesh in 1971 was the greatest victory of India that resulted in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani military personnel – the largest number of prisoners taken in any war after World War II. It would not be wrong to say that Pakistan had been digging its own grave in East Pakistan for a long that accelerated its collapse. Ironically, western media didn’t mention much about this magnificent Indian victory and the West never took up this campaign as a case study because both the US and Britain were against the Indian action.

Setting in East Pakistan

Continuing oppressive actions in East Pakistan under direction of the West Pakistan-based military junta led by President Yahya Khan had germinated simmering Bengali nationalism for a long time. This led to the movement of self-determination when the military junta annulled results of the general elections held on December 7, 1970, in which the Awami League had won a decisive majority capturing 167 out of 313 seats. The Bengali population expected a swift transfer of power to the Awami League but this was nixed and the national assembly meeting scheduled for March 1971 was postponed. In response, the Awami League held a massive rally on March 7 and launched a programme of non-co-operation, which was hugely successful. However, Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Mujibur Rehman was arrested and taken to West Pakistan. On the night of March 25, 1971, Pakistan launched Operation ‘Searchlight’ against the people of East Pakistan under Lieutenant General Tikka Khan, Governor and General Officer Commanding, East Pakistan. This involved systematic elimination of nationalist Bengali civilians, students, scholars and intelligentsia, religious minorities, resistance fighters and supporters.

Denne historien er fra December 2020 - January 2021-utgaven av SP's Land Forces.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2020 - January 2021-utgaven av SP's Land Forces.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SP'S LAND FORCESSe alt
Indigenous Might on Display
SP's Land Forces

Indigenous Might on Display

INA RAPIDLY EVOLVING global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and emerging security threats, nations around the world are continuously enhancing their military capabilities to ensure sovereignty and national security.

time-read
4 mins  |
April - May 2024
Future of Battlefield Lethality
SP's Land Forces

Future of Battlefield Lethality

A look at the latest trends reshaping Land Warfare Munitions

time-read
5 mins  |
April - May 2024
Indigenous Ammunition Production
SP's Land Forces

Indigenous Ammunition Production

Meeting the critical need for ammunition by the Armed Forces requires rapid ramping up of indigenous production

time-read
6 mins  |
April - May 2024
Stryker Production under 'Make in India'?
SP's Land Forces

Stryker Production under 'Make in India'?

India explores joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles with the US as part of their Strategic Alliance

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Rosoboronexport goes on to work on Technology Partnership Contracts with Friendly Countries
SP's Land Forces

Rosoboronexport goes on to work on Technology Partnership Contracts with Friendly Countries

Empowering Global Defence Production through Innovation, Collaboration and Pioneering Technology Partnerships in the evolving landscape of Military Cooperation

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Yugoimport - A Global Player in Artillery
SP's Land Forces

Yugoimport - A Global Player in Artillery

Yugoimport-SDPR has constantly innovated itself as a manufacturer of complex weapon systems and defence equipment

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75
SP's Land Forces

Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75

India takes a big stride into the future as Women Warriors lead the charge in India's 75th Republic Day Celebration

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities
SP's Land Forces

Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities

A strategic transformation of DRDO is needed to chart a course for excellence in defence technology and a more agile and responsive future

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare
SP's Land Forces

Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare

Navigating the realities of Urban Warfare and lessons drawn from the ongoing global fight against terror

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower and Policy Recommendations for Gaps
SP's Land Forces

Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower and Policy Recommendations for Gaps

Charting the Future under General Manoj Pande's Vision for a Tech-Driven Army, the Indian Army is driving ahead for Next-Gen Combat Capabilities

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024