Vijay
Diwas is observed in every year on December 16 as a mark of victory over Pakistan
in the 1971 war that also led to the creation of Bangladesh.
History
The 1971 Indo-Pak war lasted for almost 13
days and ended on December 16. Pakistan's Army General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi
surrendered before the Indian Army and Mukti-Bahini leading to the creation of
a new state in India's east called Bangladesh. Gen. Niazi surrendered along
with his 93,000 Pakistani troops. Bangladesh also celebrates its Independence
Day (Bijoy Diwas) on December 16 annually. Since then, the day is observed as
Vijay Diwas.
Importance
On this day, the nation pays tribute to brave soldiers of India
and Bangladesh who laid down their lives in the line of duty and those who took
part in the Liberation War.
The 'liberation war' in the then East Pakistan was initiated after
Pakistan ill-treated its Bengali speaking population and undermined elections
results in the region. The then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had
expressed India's full support for the liberation war in Bangladesh.
The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, extended her full
support to the liberation struggle of (East Pakistan) Bangladesh that helped it
to become a free nation.
The 1971
Indo-Pak war lasted for almost 13 days and ended on December 16. On this day,
the nation pays tribute to brave soldiers of India and Bangladesh who laid down
their lives in the line of duty.
According to reports, there were reports of a massacre of Bengali
especially Hindus by the Pakistan army. At least 10 million people were forced
to migrate to India during the war. Other reports also suggested that the
iconic Taj Mahal was camouflaged by leaves during the war to save it from
any Pakistani attacks.
'Swarnim
Vijay Varsh'
This year also completes 50 years of India’s victory over
Pakistan. The government is organising 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' programme where
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh will also mark
their presence. The event will be organised at the National War Memorial in New
Delhi.
Read more :
1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijay_Diwas_(India)
3.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/The-decisiveness-of-1971/article16801228.ece
