I am posting this for our Bangladeshi Friends.
Shahzaman Mozumder's Blog: The Role of Indian Army in Bangladesh Liberation War
The Role of Indian Army in Bangladesh Liberation War
I have noticed that many people, including many those who participated in the 1971 Freedom Struggle reluctant to acknowledge the help and support of the Indian government and particularly, the Indian Army. I have also read books by some of the Multi Bahini commanders and it appeared to me that they are disinclined to acknowledge the pivotal role of Indian army in the Bangladesh freedom struggle. I consider these attempts dishonest and must be resisted so that history is not misrepresented.
It is an obvious fact that Pakistan has been a traditional enemy of India. Consequently, it is not surprising that India took the opportunity of weakening Pakistan by supporting the Bangladesh liberation movement. Is there any surprise in it? Does it make the Indian contributions less significant? Does it make our freedom less valuable?
From the month of September, the Indian army gradually started to participate directly in the Liberation War. Initially the support was limited to indirect fire support (artillery support) to Mukti Bahini units. From November, the Indian army was permitted to conduct operations up to 10 miles inside Bangladesh territory. This was to clear Pakistan army positions from the borders areas in preparation for the December war.
Prior to the involvement of the Indian army, the BSF was primarily responsible to provide support to Mukti Bahini units. They also assisted in the training of Multi Bahini. However, Indian army was not involved in the initial stages.
The final war in December was primarily fought by the Indian army units. The Mukti Bahini units were responsible to provide second tier support to the Indian formations. Take, for example, Akhaura. It was the Indian army that led the main attack. Our (Mukti Bahini) responsibility was to encircle the enemy so that they could not escape of reinforced.
The same thing happened at Ashuganj. It was the Indian army that was tasked the capture of Ashuganj and it was they who suffered the bulk of the casualties.
I feel ashamed at our ungratefulness as a nation. Is it not possible to acknowledge the Indian martyrs during our victory celebrationsthose who sacrificed their lives in the foreign soil of Bangladesh? Are we afraid that acknowledging Indian assistance will make our contributions less significant?
It is also a fact that a friend, over time, can become an enemyan object of apprehension. Nevertheless, the contribution are history and cannot be changed.
I think the current generation must resist any attempts at distorting history.
Posted by Shahzaman at 9:00 PM
Labels: Indian Army, role of Indian Army in Bangladesh Liberation War
------------------------
He has written his memoirs on this blog - please read more here
Shahzaman Mozumder's Blog: Bangladesh Liberation War
Shahzaman Mozumder's Blog: The Role of Indian Army in Bangladesh Liberation War
The Role of Indian Army in Bangladesh Liberation War
I have noticed that many people, including many those who participated in the 1971 Freedom Struggle reluctant to acknowledge the help and support of the Indian government and particularly, the Indian Army. I have also read books by some of the Multi Bahini commanders and it appeared to me that they are disinclined to acknowledge the pivotal role of Indian army in the Bangladesh freedom struggle. I consider these attempts dishonest and must be resisted so that history is not misrepresented.
It is an obvious fact that Pakistan has been a traditional enemy of India. Consequently, it is not surprising that India took the opportunity of weakening Pakistan by supporting the Bangladesh liberation movement. Is there any surprise in it? Does it make the Indian contributions less significant? Does it make our freedom less valuable?
From the month of September, the Indian army gradually started to participate directly in the Liberation War. Initially the support was limited to indirect fire support (artillery support) to Mukti Bahini units. From November, the Indian army was permitted to conduct operations up to 10 miles inside Bangladesh territory. This was to clear Pakistan army positions from the borders areas in preparation for the December war.
Prior to the involvement of the Indian army, the BSF was primarily responsible to provide support to Mukti Bahini units. They also assisted in the training of Multi Bahini. However, Indian army was not involved in the initial stages.
The final war in December was primarily fought by the Indian army units. The Mukti Bahini units were responsible to provide second tier support to the Indian formations. Take, for example, Akhaura. It was the Indian army that led the main attack. Our (Mukti Bahini) responsibility was to encircle the enemy so that they could not escape of reinforced.
The same thing happened at Ashuganj. It was the Indian army that was tasked the capture of Ashuganj and it was they who suffered the bulk of the casualties.
I feel ashamed at our ungratefulness as a nation. Is it not possible to acknowledge the Indian martyrs during our victory celebrationsthose who sacrificed their lives in the foreign soil of Bangladesh? Are we afraid that acknowledging Indian assistance will make our contributions less significant?
It is also a fact that a friend, over time, can become an enemyan object of apprehension. Nevertheless, the contribution are history and cannot be changed.
I think the current generation must resist any attempts at distorting history.
Posted by Shahzaman at 9:00 PM
Labels: Indian Army, role of Indian Army in Bangladesh Liberation War
------------------------
He has written his memoirs on this blog - please read more here
Shahzaman Mozumder's Blog: Bangladesh Liberation War
everyone know the reason.
