In News
- The Prime Minister of India led the nation in paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 war on the 50th Vijay Diwas.
About Vijay Diwas
- Vijay Diwas is observed to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war and the Liberation of Bangladesh.
- The year 2021 is being observed as Swarnim Vijay Varsh to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
About 1971 Indo-Pak war
- Background:
- After India’s independence, Pakistan was formed in two territories, east and west Pakistan.
- The Bengalis in the east were highly discriminated and their Bengali language wasn’t accepted.
- There were economic disparities between the two regions, and the power helmed by west Pakistan had created tensions.
- In 1970, the Awami League-led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won the elections wherein the Pakistan People’s Party neglected to hand over the power.
- Later in mid-1971, Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan. As violence started erupting, many refugees began entering India.
- The 1971 Indo-Pak War began with Pakistan launching pre-emptive airstrikes against 11 Indian airbases on 03 December 1971.
- In retaliation to this attack, former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the Indian army to launch a war against Pakistan, which India won after fighting for 13 days, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh.
- This day is also observed as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ in Bangladesh.
Source: PIB
