VIJAY DIWAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India paid tribute to the brave hearts who served the nation in 1971 on Vijay Diwas.

Vijay Diwas

• Date of Observance: Vijay Diwas is annually observed on the 16th of December to commemorate India's triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
• Government Decision: On the 3rd of December 1971, the Government of India made the crucial decision to engage in war with Pakistan, driven by the objective of protecting Bengali Muslims and Hindus.
• Duration of the War: The conflict ensued for a period of 13 days, marking a significant chapter in the history of the Indo-Pak war.

1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

• Commencement of Conflict: The war for independence in East Pakistan commenced on December 3, 1971, concluding 13 days later on December 16, marking India's triumph.
• Human Toll: Pakistan faced significant losses during the conflict, with approximately 8,000 fatalities and 25,000 wounded. In contrast, India recorded 3,000 soldiers lost and 12,000 injured.
• Surrender of Pakistani Forces: On December 16, 1971, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93,000 troops, surrendered unconditionally to the joint forces of Bangladesh’s Mukti Bahini and the Indian Army. Led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, this event in Dhaka marked the largest military surrender since World War II.
• Origin of Bangladesh: The conclusion of the war led to the origin of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan. Bangladesh celebrates this historic day as 'Bijoy Dibos,' signifying the nation's formal independence from Pakistan.