16th December 1971: From East Pakistan to Bangladesh

[Rajput_Pakistani]

Which Hyderabad r u talking, I mean Deccan or Sindh


Correctly said,both are hardcore Jammatis

I think u r referring to Hyderabad(Deccan),it had a population of 90% Hindus,secondly Hyderabad is surrounded by Bangalore, Tamil Nadu & Maharasthra,all r Hindu Majority areas. According to the Partition plan only Muslim majority areas would go to Pakistan only. there was a proposal to exchange Hyderabad & Junagadh with Kashmir which was rejected by Pakistan

Absolutely wrong on Hyderabad Daccan. As per partition plan, 590 (approx.) Princely states were given the right to choose either India, Pakistan or Independence. Out of these Hyderabad, Kashmir were the biggest and important states. Hyderabad choose to remain a separate country and remained that until 12 September, 1948. Indians occupied it that day. Junagarh and Manavadar states also choose to be part of Pakistan but forcefully annexed by India.

The irony in case of Hyderabad is that Indians stand was that 90% of Hindu population dont want independent country rather want to be part of India. But their ruler is making opposite decision, hence occupation is justified.
In case of Kashmir, their stand was as Mahraja has signed a document of annexation with India, hence the aspirations of 80% muslim population of Kashmir has no value.

Totally contradictory stands..

 

[suresh1773]

Hyderabad choose to remain a separate country and remained that until 12 September, 1948. Indians occupied it that day. ..

U must understand like this,the Indian army invaded Hyderabad(Deccan) when some army officers(Razakars) from the Nizam's Army revolted & commited attrocities. Most of army officers of the Nizam were Muslims though Muslims were only 10%. Please read Wikipedia on this.
Operation Polo, the code name of the Hyderabad "Police Action"[2][3]was a military operation in September 1948 in which theIndian Armed Forces invaded theState of Hyderabad and overthrew its Nizam, annexing the state into the Indian Union. Amidst atrocities by the Razakars, the Indian Home Minister Sardar Patel decided to annex Hyderabad[5] in what was termed a "police action". The operation itself took five days, in which the Razakars were defeated easily.[6]

Junagarh and Manavadar states also choose to be part of Pakistan but forcefully annexed by India..

Absolutley fasle & twisting of facts
First u understand, What was the purpose of Partition,Well Pakistan was meant to be a separate home land only for Muslims where they can have their own religions,culture. Junagarh and Manavada had more then 90% Hindu population,this negates the purpose of Partiton.
Some of the Text taken from wikipedia
the Government of India was outraged that Muhammad Ali Jinnah could accept the accession of Junagadh despite his argument that Hindus and Muslims could not live as one nation. A plebiscite was conducted in Junagadh in December, in which approximately 99% of the people chose India over Pakistan.[3]

I cannot still understand why did Jinnah refuse to exchange Kashmir with Hyderabad. In the worlds of Liaquat ali Khan,"I am not a fool to exchange a few hill hills with the vast plains of Hyderabd(Deccan)which is more then the size of Punjab"
.

 

[Rajput_Pakistani]

U must understand like this,the Indian army invaded Hyderabad(Deccan) when some army officers(Razakars) from the Nizam's Army revolted & commited attrocities. Most of army officers of the Nizam were Muslims though Muslims were only 10%. Please read Wikipedia on this.
Operation Polo, the code name of the Hyderabad "Police Action"[2][3]was a military operation in September 1948 in which theIndian Armed Forces invaded theState of Hyderabad and overthrew its Nizam, annexing the state into the Indian Union. Amidst atrocities by the Razakars, the Indian Home Minister Sardar Patel decided to annex Hyderabad[5] in what was termed a "police action". The operation itself took five days, in which the Razakars were defeated easily.[6]



Absolutley fasle & twisting of facts
First u understand, What was the purpose of Partition,Well Pakistan was meant to be a separate home land only for Muslims where they can have their own religions,culture. Junagarh and Manavada had more then 90% Hindu population,this negates the purpose of Partiton.
Some of the Text taken from wikipedia
the Government of India was outraged that Muhammad Ali Jinnah could accept the accession of Junagadh despite his argument that Hindus and Muslims could not live as one nation. A plebiscite was conducted in Junagadh in December, in which approximately 99% of the people chose India over Pakistan.[3]

I cannot still understand why did Jinnah refuse to exchange Kashmir with Hyderabad. In the worlds of Liaquat ali Khan,"I am not a fool to exchange a few hill hills with the vast plains of Hyderabd(Deccan)which is more then the size of Punjab"
.

You are quoting me Wikipedia??
Can you please provide any credible source of what are you saying?
I understand, but do you understand what i said in my post? If Pakistan was created for Muslims, then why did your Army entered Kashmir in first place?
Whatever happened in Hyderabad, what was Indian government moral authority to interfere in matters of an independent state?

I advice you to read 3rd june 1947 partition plan document.

Kindly no Ullo banavin please...

 

[Bilal9]

We're veering off into OT topics here - just a heads up...

 

[Saiful Islam]

Can anybody tell me Joy Bangla chant replaced the former Bangladesh Zindabad?

 

[monitor]

Can anybody tell me Joy Bangla chant replaced the former Bangladesh Zindabad?

I am not sure but probably as common slogan of Pakistan were Pakistan Zindabad which sound more Urdu/Pakistan centric so as counter Benglai nationalist chant Joy Bangla literally means victory for Bangla .

 

[Saiful Islam]

I am not sure but probably as common slogan of Pakistan were Pakistan Zindabad which sound more Urdu/Pakistan centric so as counter Benglai nationalist chant Joy Bangla literally means victory for Bangla .

So is 'Joy' a variant of Jai?

 

[Bilal9]

So is 'Joy' a variant of Jai?

Correct

I find slogans (whether Hindu or Muslim) an emotional way to corral people. Going to work at a low-wage job and eating at the end-of-the-day is still better than get involved in tire-burning or slogans...which are largely useless to make a livelihood.

 

[Saiful Islam]

Correct

I find slogans (whether Hindu or Muslim) an emotional way to corral people. Going to work at a low-wage job and eating at the end-of-the-day is still better than get involved in tire-burning or slogans...which are largely useless to make a livelihood.

I understand but I wanted to know why it changed from Bangladesh Zindabad to Joy Bangla? I can remember saying Zindabad long time ago but now I'm confused to whether it is Zindabad or Joy Bangla. Its a trivial matter but it annoys and frustrates me

 

[bongbang]

I understand but I wanted to know why it changed from Bangladesh Zindabad to Joy Bangla? I can remember saying Zindabad long time ago but now I'm confused to whether it is Zindabad or Joy Bangla. Its a trivial matter but it annoys and frustrates me

Joy Bangla came first in pakistan time. SM used it in speeches before creation of Bangladesh. Popular AL slogan freedom fighters also used it in their oath. Zia later introduced Bangladesh zindabad.

 

[asad71]

Joy Bangla came first in pakistan time. SM used it in speeches before creation of Bangladesh. Popular AL slogan freedom fighters also used it in their oath. Zia later introduced Bangladesh zindabad.

Jai Hind of Netaji/INA during WW II.Jiye Sind of GM Syed just after Partition. BD Zindabad was first uttered by Maj Dalim while announcing the death of SM in the coup.Mushtaq,Zia, Ershad and BNP/BKZ continued this. In fact Joy Bangla is not used by anyone except BAL.Somehow people have not accepted this slogan finding Zindabad closer to the heart.

 

[Bilal9]

Somehow BAL-er Chetona and Joy Bangla go together

 

[asad71]

http://www.thedailys...rave-sons-72778 FREEDOM IN THE OFFING Can a self respecting nation treat its brave sons like this? Here we publish a speech given by Major General M. A. Manzoor, Bir Uttam, at a seminar organised by Bangla Academy. It was published in Sangbad on March 26, 1977. Major General Manzoor was the Sector Commander of Sector 8 during the Liberation War.

M. A. Manzoor, Bir Uttam

Major General M. A. Manzoor (1940-1981)
THIS is my first opportunity to speak to an audience after our Independence. I convey my sincere thanks to Bangla Academy for affording me this opportunity. First my deep respects to those brothers and sisters whose blood has created the opportunity for this discussion. Many learned persons have commented on the Liberation War -- I don't have the ability to make such erudite comments. I will, as a soldier, present my own views on the Liberation War as I have understood it.

The background of our freedom struggle was written long in the past when our predecessors realised that there was a need to live in this land as a separate national entity. For ages the people of this land had been enslaved. The Bengalis had never been free in the real sense or had never participated in the task of determining their own destiny. But we had always dreamt to break free from this environment and shape our own society, culture and economy in a free atmosphere. At times our nationalist urge had caused severe tremors. The Fakir-Sanyasi revolt, the peasant revolt, the Wahhabi and Faraizi movements and the revolt against indigo farming were manifestations of our nationalist feelings. But we succumbed every time due to lack of unity, and in the face of rapacious rulers our dreams failed to materialise. But somewhere during a phase in that struggle, when the colonisers were evicted from the subcontinent, our hearts were filled with delight. We dreamed of a glorious free nation. But we awoke to a rude shock. A hard truth dawned that the newly found independence was only a phase in the quest for real independence; then started another struggle. A new start was launched with the Language Movement of 1952. Thus, every time in celebrating February 21 we celebrate the first step of our revolutionary nationalist awakening. 1971 was the armed phase of the glorious struggle when the people of this country took up arms. An amazing unity not seen before, a determination to struggle unto death and a mood of nationalism was created. There is not another example in the subcontinent of a collective resolve to sacrifice everything for independence. Except for a handful of selfish and misguided people the entire mass of the people had lent their support for independence. And only this unity and people's support made independence possible. Everywhere in this land, in the towns and villages, we received spontaneous and unstinted help of the people. Without this support it would have been difficult for us to survive, much less gain independence. It is true that we have gained independence but our struggle is not over yet. If we had retained the same unity and sense of dedication of the days of 1971 then we would not have faced difficulty in enjoying the fruits of independence; we would have progressed much in the task of nation building.

Many people have said and written many things about the Liberation War of 1971. Many have made profits out of publishing colourful books with attractive covers. But how many of them have written about the brave son, printed the face of the young boy aged 16 of a small village who bade farewell to his mother vowing to liberate the country and in keeping that vow never returned to the embrace of his mother. Where is the account of the brave deeds of the brave soldiers of the Bengal Regiment or the East Pakistan Rifles? Of those who were decorated with Bir Shrestho for their bravery? Were their sacrifices any less significant than the death of a few intellectuals and politicians? Our real history is in the tale of the valour and sacrifices of thousands of youths, thousands of common men. We have to write that history which will be an inspiration for the future generation.

It is not possible for me to lay out the details of the events of the War of Liberation. But I would like to narrate a few incidents that are examples of incredible patriotism of the common man. We were stuck on the banks of the Madhumati since December 8. On the other side was enemy's strong defence. It was necessary to gain information about the strength and deployment of the enemy; came forward two young men. In the course of their effort to gather intelligence they were caught. One was killed and the other returned with severe wounds on his throat. That incredibly brave young man also died but not before giving us the details of the enemy by writing and drawing sketches.

On another occasion in another battlefield in Satkhira one of our companies was encircled by the enemy. It was not being possible to provide them ammunitions and logistics. Even experienced soldiers were not willing to risk their lives to reach them. At that time 5 or 6 young boys came forward -- they were between 12 and 16. In the cover of the night risking their lives they continued to supply the company with replenishment. But one of them was killed by the enemy during their third foray. When his comrades returned with the tiding of his death his mother broke down in a heartrending cry. I went up to console her but returned in silence. An old woman had sheltered a group of freedom fighters one night and cooked meal for them; even gave them some molasses and puffed rice for the road. But next day the occupation forces burned down her hut, the only possession she had, for this offense. She did not repent her action nor did she demand compensation for her loss from the government. These small deeds of bravery are actually the real stories of our independence. But we witnessed a very dangerous picture after the country was liberated, a wicked attempt to fulfill personal lust. And in this lust were lost the expectations and the spirit of the Liberation War. Attempts were made to distort history. Thus we lost a grand opportunity to take our country forward towards development and progress. Had we utilised that opportunity we would not have to face the situation that we are facing now. In the post-liberation phase the collective strength of the freedom fighters could have been employed for the development of the country. By making the most of the enthusiasm and the aim for which they had participated in the war we could have started a new chapter. But that very strength was misused for political gains. As a result, most of the freedom fighters went astray. Instead of the gratefulness and good wishes of the nation they were given an insignificant certificate. Having deposited their weapons after the war they then went around seeking jobs and favours displaying that certificate. The freedom fighters were insulted and the spirit of the War of Liberation was denigrated. Acts of some of the misguided youth gave immense pleasure to those evil forces that had opposed the war. Can a self respecting nation treat its brave sons like this?

There is constant effort to attack our independence and sovereignty. Some individuals and groups, in order to hide their misdeeds and at the behest of external forces, are putting impediments to our freedom. At a time when it is essential to forge unity there is constant attempt to create a divide. These misguided people should be identified and made to shun the wrong path. This is our collective responsibility. If need be, and for the greater interest and for the sake of further strengthening our unity, they should be destroyed from the root. Just as we are facing direct assault on our freedom, there is an indirect attempt to distort our nationalism by misinterpreting religion on one hand and on the pretext of cultural liberalism on the other. Our religious, cultural and social practices are well established and self sufficient -- there is no need for fanaticism, no need to import distorted culture from outside. What is needed now is full utilisation and development of whatever we have. The people mostly live in rural areas. And it is their economic development that should be our first priority. And all our efforts should be to develop the rural economy.

Source: Bangladesh: Muktijuddher Bhugol o Itihas, Edited by Sukumar Biswas , Agami Prokashoni, May 1996.

 

[asad71]

Manzur,then BM in a Bde at Sialkot, Taher from SSG Cherat and Ziauddin then serving in the MS Branch, had grouped together to escape from Manzur's AOO. On arrival they were taken for a meeting with Indira Gandhi. Manzur was considered an outstanding officer in PA. Only after speaking with them was Indira convinced that the Liberation Forces were worth supporting. Prior to this Indira was unsure because of the doubtful resolve and poor quality of political leadership that she had met.

 

[asad71]

Freedom In The Offing 'Enemy morale is deteriorating very fast' Here we publish Major Khaled Musharrof's confidential letter dispatched to Colonel Osmani in August 1971. During the Liberation War, Major Musharrof was Sector Commander of Sector-2.

Major Khaled Musharrof Sector Commander of Bangladesh Mukti Bahini (Sector-2) and K-Force Brigade Commander during the Liberation War of Bangladesh (1971). Photo: Marilyn Silverstone

Major Khaled Musharrof, psc.
HQ No. 2 Sector
Bangladesh Forces
No. BD/0022/G
August 1971

Colonel M A G Osmani, awc., psc.
Commander-in-Chief
Bangladesh Forces

Dear Chief

Since our last meeting, the over all situation in my sector and around has had few significant developments which I understand should be brought to your kind notice. I may take the opportunity to put on record the effect of the brave activities by the boys of Bangladesh Liberation Forces in my Sector.

a. The communication line, both rail and road running from Comilla to Chittagong (upto Feni) had been totally disrupted, the communication between Dacca and Chittagong is being harassed and disrupted as we find necessary and according to our convenience.



b. Activities has been stretched much inside Bangladesh all along the Sector. It is reported that the Pak regime has started a general evacuation from Comilla to Chandina.

c. Bases much inside the district zones of the sector has been set up and new bases are in the process of being exploited and formed continuously.

d. Power carrying pylons and transformers in different Sub stations in Dacca have been destroyed in such an extent as to reduce the power supply by 75%. The need for power in Dacca is very less because of the closure of Mills and little population that are there, effect is not yet fully apparent and felt.

e. Enemy morale is deteriorating very fast.

f. Re-organization of the 'Mukti Bahini' has been carried out to meet the present and future demand of our war efforts, specialists are being trained by our own effort in the Sector in co-ordination with the supporting army.

g. Boys have been trained to take over the charge of the 3.7 inch mountain guns and 10 August has been fixed as the inauguration date. I have named it as 'Mujib Battery', being the first Artillery Battery in the Bangladesh Army. I have provided already two Officers and the battery will be fully operational on the 10th August 71 manned by our crews and Officers.

It may be seen that no stone is left unturned as to bring my Sector 100 percent efficiency so that the war effort according to the plan can be carried out keeping the high tradition set by their past performance.

I may take this opportunity to point out that as the activities in the Sector to the south of mine (Chittagong) is plagued by insensitivity and bad handling of the war effort in the past, the burden on my Sector has been too much. Unless this Sector is activated the situation may go to the advantage of the enemy and we may find it hard to keep the balance.

It has been reported that in that Sector (Chittagong) besides general inefficiency in the past, corruption by the troops and illtreatment towards local tribal population had also been rampant. All these has brought an effect on the general morale of the 'Mukti Bahini' and the local population. In this general mess, the extremists have also dug in their position. Unless it is checked right now the situation may prove very difficult in future. Internal dissentions has also crept in because of the bad handling in the past.

Captain Rafique who is a very sincere and brave Officer is finding it hard to tackle. Some time in the past you wanted to know whether it would be possible on my part to take over Chittagong as well. As I had been busy in getting my Sector on the grip, I reluctantly declined in that circumstances. Now I may very humbly put forward to your gracious self that Chittagong may also be brought within my zone for operation (…) to sort the things out. It will also enable to chalk out a comprehensive plan or effective interdiction of enemy from Chittagong to Comilla.

Due to the famine condition and inflation of money prevailing in Bangladesh, guerilla warfare operation inside Bangladesh is very expensive. Unless operation money is given regularly and as per your policy, it will be quite difficult to conduct the aforesaid operations effectively. I may here mention that the supporting agency over here, has not got any specific instruction.

The supply of arms still remains inadequate. The scale of arms to be provided to guerillas as laid down by you is not adhered to by the supporting agency. As a result, guerillas are still being armed with only two sten per 10. I am afraid to say that it is frightfully inadequate for the boys to start the effective operation inside. It is suggested that the supporting agencies must be persuaded to implement your policy of scale of arms laid down for the guerilla.

I was also shown a organization prepared by the supporting agency where only 37 IMGs are authorized to a battalion whereas the organisation prepared by you authorises 72 INGs. I have already pointed out to them, but it seems that matter has been decided by the higher authorities of supporting units as such you may please take up at your end.

The families of 'Mukti Bahini' and the 'Freedom Fighters' those who have attained Shahadat or have been incapacitated due to enemy action are facing untold miseries as the Government of the Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh has not yet granted any gratuity etc to them. To boost up the morale of the liberation army and at the same time to save the unfortunate families from total ruination, I think some monetary assistance must be given to the bereaved families immediately. It is also suggested that some fund may please be placed at the disposal of Sector Commander, so that adhoc relief can be given till the case is decided on merit.

The Police personnels who crossed over to India are not properly utilized and the SP appointed by the Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh seems to be quite inactive and indifferent about the fruitful use of the Police. May I have the honour to suggest that these Police forces, with proper co-ordination/consultation with the Government of India may be posted in different entry points in the border belt to check the suspected persons coming in/going out of India in collaboration with the Sector Commandoes and Indian Police.

I have received a posting order issued from Bangladesh Forces vide 1121/A or 31 July 71 asking me to provide 4 Officers from my Sector. You are well aware that following Officers were posted out/being posted out of my Sector recently:-

a. Major Shafaat Jamil - 3 E Bengal

b. Major Mohd Amin - 8 E Bengal

c. Capt Amin Ahmed Chowdhury - Mymensingh Sector

d. Capt Mahboobur Rahman Chy - 1 E Bengal

e. Capt Shahid Ullah Bhuiyan - HQ Bangladesh Forces

f. Capt Akbar Hussain - 3 North Bengal

g. Capt Mujibur Rahman - Being posted to Brigade HQ which is ordered vide BDF No. 1121/A of 31 July 71.

h. Cap Abdus Salek Chowdhury, as per your instruction is being posted out as Sect Commander

Moreover, I have raised the first Artillery Battery (The Mujib Battery) out of my own resources and provided both men and two Officers out of this Sector. As a result, I am left with bare min Officers without which there will be total dis-orgnazation in the Sector specially when I am operating in four vital districts and main Line of Communication. You would be kind to appreciate that if any more Officers are posted out of my humble compliments, I would be constrained to say that this Sector would bound to be ineffective which is of no ones desire. It may be also recalled that you have promised during my last visit that no more Officer will be posted out from my Sector.

In your last DO, you mentioned that boys operating in Dacca are not really effective. Now after hearing the BBC and other foreign radios about our activities in and around Dacca, you must be convinced that we are not only producing bang but we are really effective. Any way, open fighting in the heart of Dacca by our boys deserves appreciation from your side which definitely will boost up the morale.

Our boys have been also closing in with enemy and fighting hand to hand battles in different encounter and producing wonderful result which also calls for your appreciation. Recently some of the actions were under taken to clear enemy positions and to test the battle worthless of regular boys who have proved real "Tigers" by fighting over the dead bodies of the enemy and flushing out the barbarous enemy from the bunkers.

Different agencies/organisations are sending boys inside Bangladesh without any co-ordination/consultation which have already created lot of confusion and misunderstanding and has given chance to the enemy to run wedge between us. It is requested that launching of troops inside Bangladesh must be done after co-ordination with the Sector Commanders to avert any mishap.

I am confident that you would give your personal attention to the problems that I have posed in my DO at your convenience to enhance the war efforts and redress my difficulties.

Eagerly looking forward to see you amongst us soon. May God walk with you. "Joy Bangla".



With kindest regards.



Yours

Major Khaled Musharrof




Source: Muktijuddhe 2 Number Sector ebong K Force written by Khaled Musharrof published by Prothoma Prokashon in 2013.