India on Friday reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s quest for justice over the brutal crackdown by Pakistan during the 1971 war, with the government describing the events as a systematic campaign of violence against civilians.
“We all are aware of the terrible atrocities committed by Pakistan during ‘Operation Searchlight’ in 1971,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“The genocide involved systematic and targeted murder of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and mass sexual crimes against women,” he added.
Jaiswal said India stands firmly with Bangladesh in its “desire for justice,” underscoring New Delhi’s consistent position on the issue. He noted that the military operation not only led to widespread killings but also forced millions to flee into India as refugees.
“These atrocities shook the conscience of the world. Pakistan however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes,” he said.
India’s statement comes days after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described Operation Searchlight as “one of the most heinous genocides in history.”
Bangladesh observes March 25 as Genocide Day, marking the beginning of the 1971 crackdown when Pakistani forces targeted unarmed civilians in a bid to crush the independence movement.
In a social media post a day ahead of Genocide Day, Rahman recalled how Pakistani military launched the brutal crackdown on innocent people.
“In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of ‘Operation Searchlight’,” he said.
The “genocide” of March 25 was a “pre-planned massacre”, he said.
The violence ended later that year after India’s military intervention, which culminated in Pakistan’s surrender and the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. India’s victory over Pakistan following the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers on December 16, 1971 ended horrific violence unleashed by the Pakistani army on millions of Bangladeshi people. The victory led to birth of Bangladesh as an independent country.
To a question on Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s reported remarks asking Shias to “go to Iran”, Jaiswal pointed to increasing marginalisation and oppression of minorities in Pakistan.
“The shrinking numbers of minorities in Pakistan reflect the decades of fear, marginalisation, oppression and neglect that they have had to endure at the hands of the Pakistani state.” “The abysmal record of Pakistan when it comes to protection of human rights of minorities is also well documented,” he added.
Asked about External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s reported “Dalal” comments for Pakistan at an all-party meeting on the West Asia crisis on Wednesday, Jaiswal said it was a “closed door” meeting and he does not have any comments to offer.
With inputs from PTI
