Vijay Diwas 2020: All you need to know about 1971 Indo-Pak war and birth of Bangladesh

The 1971 Indo-Pak war lasted for almost 13 days and ended on December 16.  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Vijay Diwas is observed 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 of Vijay Diwas

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 of Vijay Diwas

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.

Migrant influx

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.