Introduction
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a significant event in South Asian history. It led to the creation of Bangladesh, which was previously known as East Pakistan. In 2016, the Indian government declassified a set of documents related to the war, shedding light on some of the previously unknown facts and revealing the behind-the-scenes workings of the war.
Background: The 1971 Indo-Pak War and the creation of Bangladesh
The war started on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched an attack on Indian airfields in the western sector. India responded by launching a full-scale invasion of East Pakistan. The Indian Army, aided by the Mukti Bahini (a Bengali guerrilla force) and the Indian Air Force, quickly gained the upper hand. The war ended on December 16, 1971, with the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers and the creation of Bangladesh.
Declassified documents: Insights into the Indian government’s decision-making process
The declassified documents provide insights into the Indian government’s decision-making process during the war. They show that the Indian government was aware of the atrocities being committed by the Pakistani army in East Pakistan and had started preparing for a possible conflict with Pakistan months before the war began. The documents also reveal that the Indian government sought the support of the international community, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, during the war.
RAW’s Role in the War
One of the most significant revelations from the declassified documents was the role played by the Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), during the war. The documents show that RAW played a crucial role in supporting the Mukti Bahini and providing them with weapons and training. RAW’s covert operations in East Pakistan helped the Indian Army gain an advantage over the Pakistani Army.
The possibility of nuclear conflict
The declassified documents also reveal that the Indian government was considering using nuclear weapons during the war. The then-Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was reportedly concerned about the possibility of Chinese intervention in the conflict and had ordered the Indian military to prepare for a nuclear strike if necessary. However, the Indian military refused to carry out such orders, and the matter was dropped.
Conclusion: Significance of the declassified documents for researchers and historians
The declassification of the documents related to the 1971 Indo-Pak war provided significant insight into the events leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The documents shed light on the Indian government’s decision-making process, the role played by RAW, and the possibility of a nuclear conflict. These documents are a valuable resource for researchers and historians studying the history of South Asia.
Dive Deeper
Book Recommendation
There are several books that offer an in-depth analysis of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the events leading up to it. One highly recommended book is “The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger, and a Forgotten Genocide” by Gary J. Bass.
The book explores the political and diplomatic factors that led to the war, including the role of the United States and the Soviet Union in the conflict. It also offers a detailed account of the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army in East Pakistan and the Indian government’s decision to intervene in the conflict. The book draws extensively on declassified documents and offers a well-researched and engaging narrative of the events.
Overall, “The Blood Telegram” is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the creation of Bangladesh, and the political and diplomatic factors that shaped these events.
Documentary/ Video
There are several documentaries and videos available that offer an in-depth analysis of the Indo-Pak War of 1971. One highly recommended documentary is “The End of the Line: India’s 1971 War” produced by BBC Four.
The documentary offers a comprehensive account of the conflict, from the political and diplomatic factors that led to the war to the military tactics and operations that were employed during the conflict. It also offers an insightful commentary on the role played by RAW and the Mukti Bahini in the conflict, as well as the impact of the war on the region.
The documentary includes interviews with key political figures, military officials, and civilians who were involved in the conflict, providing a well-rounded and engaging narrative of the events. It is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
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