IDSA_Indo-Pak War_1971_Initial.pmd

It is therefore no surprise that the combined impact created by the resolute people of Bangladesh and the professional approach of the Indian state, successfully converted a catastrophe of epic proportions into a victory of the people, won through their stoic resolve and the professionalism of the armed forces. [...] The mass protest that followed, however, compelled the Pakistan government to withdraw the case.18 The Agartala Conspiracy Case raised the political stature of Sheikh Mujib, catapulting him as the spokesman of the Bengalis. [...] From a strategic point of view, ‘Bengali uprising provided India with the “opportunity of the century”...to break up Pakistan and thus eliminate the threat of a two-front war in any future confrontation.’24 On 30 March 1971, Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, moved a resolution in both houses of the Parliament, condemning the happenings in East Pakistan and outlining the approach of the gover. [...] In addition, the actions and influence of China, the United Kingdom (UK), other countries of Europe, Africa, the Islamic countries and the neighbouring countries during the conflict, including their involvement either directly or through their voice in the UN, had implications on the political strategy of the warring factions. [...] A persistent denial of the principle of equal rights and self-determination was the root cause of the problem....’35 The political and constitutional history of Pakistan before the civil war commenced in East Pakistan amply demonstrates the denial of autonomous status, which was the spirit behind the formation of Pakistan, inherent in the text of Lahore Resolution.