New Delhi: Vijay Diwas is celebrated in India on December 16 every year. The day marks the victory over Pakistan in 1971, which resulted in Bangladesh’s creation and liberation of East Pakistan.
The war began in 1971 and lasted 13 days. It ended on December 16. The Pakistan Army surrendered before India with over 90,000 soldiers. It was the “greatest victory ever”, and India emerged as a regional power. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, let us look at some facts about the day and the 1971 war.
✨Reliving the heroic moments of the Indian Armed Forces.️
On this #VijayDiwas, we commemorate the bravery, valour and sacrifice that led to a decisive victory.🇮🇳🇧🇩 #IndianNavy@HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @IAF_MCC @Indiannavy@IN_WNC@IN_HQENC@IN_HQSNC pic.twitter.com/rvUyAxfImi
— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) December 13, 2024
#VijayDiwas marks the Decisive Victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 War, a triumph that reshaped India’s military history and gave birth to a new nation; #Bangladesh, while ending Pakistan’s relentless oppression and brutality on a people.
In just 13… pic.twitter.com/OAvanj8EPD
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2024
Facts about Vijay Diwas and its importance
On December 16, 1971, India won a major victory over Pakistan after a 13-day battle, leading to the creation of Bangladesh from the former East Pakistan.
Each year on this day, India remembers the sacrifices made by its armed forces during the 1971 war. Bangladesh celebrates December 16 as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ or Victory Day.
Vijay Diwas is very important, as it highlights India’s historic emergence during the 1971 war. On December 16, the country honours the strength and bravery of its soldiers. Both India and Bangladesh hold parades and events to mark this day.
Facts about the India-Pakistan 1971 war
The conflict began with the Bangladesh Liberation War, which arose from West Pakistan’s mistreatment of East Pakistan and its refusal to accept election results. On March 26, 1971, the people of East Pakistan officially called for independence. India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, supported their fight for freedom.
The 1971 war was a military conflict between India and Pakistan. It started with Pakistan launching airstrikes on Indian Air Force bases on December 3, 1971. In response, the Indian Army decided to help Bengali nationalist groups fighting for independence in East Pakistan.
The war occurred because the military regime in Pakistan, led by General Yahya Khan, committed widespread violence against the people of East Pakistan. On December 4, 1971, India carried out Operation Trident. This operation involved a surprise attack by the Indian Navy on the Karachi port.
In East Pakistan, the Mukti Bahini guerrillas collaborated with Indian forces against the Pakistani troops. The Southern Command protected India’s borders from Pakistani actions. There, Indian troops fought in famous battles at Longewala and Parbat Ali, where they defeated Pakistani armoured forces.
Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier) Bhawani Singh and the 10 Para Commando Battalion carried out a raid on the Pakistani town of Chachro. On December 14, the Indian Air Force attacked a meeting where Pakistan’s East governor was present, causing panic in Pakistan. This attack led to the surrender process beginning on December 16, 1971, when about 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered.
As a result, on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh became an independent nation formerly known as East Pakistan. During the war, around 3,900 Indian soldiers were martyred, and about 9,851 were injured.
Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The 13-day war culminated in the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers. Vijay Diwas honours the sacrifices of the Indian armed forces and celebrates India’s emergence as a regional power. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
