Vijay Diwas is celebrated by the Indian Army to honor the Indian army’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
On this day 16 December, every year Nation pays tribute to its soldiers who were martyred in the 1971 war against Pakistan.
India is celebrating the 51st anniversary of the victory of India against Pakistan in the 1971 war.
The HQ Southern Command is organizing a ‘Southern Star Vijay Run-22’ on December 16.
The theme for the day is ‘Run for Soldier –Run with Soldier’ and the event between the Indian army and the masses, especially the youth.
In Bangladesh 16 December is celebrated as Victory Day or Bijoy Dibosh because with the help of the Indian army Bangladesh got its freedom from Pakistan in 1971.
Also Read Kargil Vijay Diwas- Remembering The Legendary Heroes Of India
Historical Significance of Vijay Diwas
The main reason behind the war is the Pakistani army’s ill-treatment of the Bengali-speaking majority in East – Pakistan (Now Bangladesh).
When the local party Awami League led by Shiekh Mujibur Rahman, won the 1970 election. But the Pakistani Army force didn’t happy with the results and they forcefully try to suppress the election and the people of Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi people revolted which resulted in India to intervene in this matter.
Pakistani Army got furious and they launched an air strike on 11 of India’s air bases.
Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw to launch a full-blown war against Pakistan.
India supported Bangladeshi nationalists and operation Trident was launched.
Indian army joined hands with Mukti Bahini guerillas to fight against Pakistani troops.
This resulted in the Pakistani 93,000 army surrendering in front of the Indian Army.
The Historical Dhaka Deal was signed between Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora and Pakistani General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi.
The 1971 war altered the relationship between US and India.
Bangladesh was liberated on 16 December 1971.
Also Read: India Pays Homage To War Heroes On Kargil Vijay Diwas
Casualties in the 1971 war
More than 3,800 soldiers of India and Pakistan were martyred in the 1971 war.
Pakistani army atrocities killed approximately 3 million – 5 million people.
1972 Shimla Agreement
Eight months after the war ended, India and Pakistan signed an agreement which is famously known as Shimla Agreement on August 1972.
Through this agreement, India releases 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. They established a Line of Control between India and Pakistan.
Criticism of Shimla Agreement 1972
The Shimla agreement was criticized for India’s failure to negotiate on a conflict matter with Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.
Many critics said that India held 93,000 troops and use them to deal with the Kashmir issue.
Politicians and Indian Army Celebrating Vijay Diwas
Vijay Diwas on 16 December celebrated the biggest victory of the Indian army over the Pakistani army in the 1971 war.
PM Modi, President Murmu, and others attended the Home reception at Army House on the eve of Vijay Diwas.
On the eve of Vijay Diwas, attended the 'At Home' reception at Army House. India will never forget the valour of our Armed Forces that led to the win in the 1971 war. pic.twitter.com/apG69cObzw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2022
President Droupadi Murmu attended 'At Home' reception at Army House on the eve of Vijay Diwas. pic.twitter.com/xEX2Ld47ji
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 15, 2022
Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2022
💙🇮🇳 SALUTE! Today we show our eternal gratitude towards every soldier who has served and continues to serve the country so selflessly.#VijayDiwas #TeamIndia #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/hVxddxNri1
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 16, 2022
@kishanreddybjp @KishanReddyOfc @shripadynaik @AjaybhattBJP4UK @PIBTour @PIB_India @incredibleindia
— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) December 16, 2022
#VijayDiwas#16December marks the historic victory of #IndianArmedForces over Pakistan in the #LiberationWar1971. On this day, let us salute the courage & fortitude displayed by #IndianArmedForces in the 1971 Liberation War.#IndianArmy#InStrideWithTheFuture pic.twitter.com/vkotPUNh7W
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2022