Indo-Pak War 1971: Background, Timeline, Role of Mukti Bahini

The 1971 Indo-Pakistan War was fought because of the launch of operation Chengiz khan by Pakistan in which involved airstrikes on 8 Indian Air Force stations. The war began on 3 December 1971 for 13 days which resulted in the formation of a new country named Bangladesh and influenced South Asia. It was famously known as the Bangladesh Liberation War which involved India in resolving a humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan. The 1971 war came to an end when the Eastern Command of Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka on 16 December 1971.

Historical Background of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War

The creation of Pakistan in 1947 led to the formation of East and West Pakistan which is separated from each other by about 1,600 km of Indian territory.
The larger population and political control of East Pakistan was overshadowed by the West.
The issue of imposition of Urdu languages over Bengali and that of provincial autonomy took concrete form through the 6 point programme.
During the general elections of 1970, the Awami League received an absolute majority in the National Assembly. However, the government of West Pakistan did not hand over power to East Pakistan.
On 25th March, 1971, Operation Searchlight was carried out by the Pakistan Army.
They started to repress the Bengali political workers and students, which led to the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Course of War

The timeline of important events of the India-Pakistan war of 1971 are given in the table below.

S.No.	Date / Period	Event
1	7 Dec 1970	General elections in Pakistan Awami League won by majority votes
2	Jan–Mar 1971	Political deadlock over transfer of power Postponement of National Assembly session fuels outrage.
3	25 Mar 1971	Operation Searchlight Operation Searchlight Bangladesh Liberation War begins.
4	Mar–Nov 1971	Mukti Bahini guerrilla operations Many refugees came to India
5	21 Nov 1971	India began operations in support of Mukti Bahini along the border.
6	3 Dec 1971	Pakistan launches airstrikes on Indian airfields in the West India declared a state of war.
7	3–16 Dec 1971	War began on Eastern and Western fronts Indian Forces moved in East Pakistan towards Dhaka.
8	16 Dec 1971	Pakistan Eastern Command surrendered in Dhaka which finally gave birth to an independent Bangladesh.
9	Post‑Dec 1971	Ceasefire on Western front Issue of about 90,000 Pakistan Prisoners of Wars

The Role of Mukti Bahini

The Mukti Bahini was the Liberation Force of Bangladesh. They played an important role in the 1971 war or Bangladesh Liberation War.
Mukti Bahini organized their resistance against the Pakistan Army after Operation Searchlight.
They slowly gained political guidance from the provisional government of Bangladesh and were supported by India.
Mukti Bahini used the tactics of guerrilla warfare. As a result, their constant pressure eroded the control of Pakistan over large rural areas.
Mukti Bahini also fought alongside Indian forces in their own liberation.

Outcome of the War

The 1971 war ended with the victory of India and the emergence of a new nation Bangladesh.
The Eastern Command of Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka on 16th December 1971.
It brought an end to the Pakistan rule in the East Pakistan region. More than 90,000 Pakistan troops and civilians were made the Prisoners of Wars.
India gained strategic significance and increased regional influence.
As a result, Pakistan lost the eastern province and the new country Bangladesh was formed.

FAQs about Indo-Pak War of 1971

What was the main reason behind the 1971 war?

The political repression in East Pakistan, lack of power transfer after the 1970 elections, and the military crackdown resulting in the Bangladesh Liberation War were the reasons behind the 1971 war.

What was the role of Mukti Bahini in the 1971 war?

Mukti Bahini was responsible for fighting against Pakistan in the East Pakistan region. They weakened them and helped in Indian operations in the process of liberating Bangladesh.