What is Vijay Diwas?

About Vijay Diwas

• Vijay Diwas is commemorated on December 16 every year to honor the victory of the Indian armed forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war and to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. 
• The day is also observed in Bangladesh as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ or Victory Day, marking the country’s formal independence from Pakistan.
• History:
  • The 1971 war was instigated by the genocide perpetrated by the oppressive Pakistani military regime, led by General Yahya Khan, against the people of East Pakistan. 
  • The conflict erupted when the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-led Awami League emerged as the winner in the 1970 elections.
  • Post-elections, the Pakistani military used force to influence the results, leading to a mass exodus of people from East Pakistan.
  • India intervened during this critical period.
  • The then-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, provided refuge to those who fled from the other side of the border.
  • The situation escalated on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched air strikes on 11 Indian airbases, compelling Indira Gandhi to instruct India’s Army Chief, General Sam Manekshaw, to initiate a full-scale war against Pakistan.
  • India supported Bangladeshi nationalist groups and executed ‘Operation Trident,’ led by the Indian Navy, to target Karachi Port. 
  • Following a 13-day battle, India secured a resounding triumph over Pakistan on December 16, 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh from the former East Pakistan.
  • On this significant day, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi of Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender, surrendering with 93,000 Pakistani soldiers before the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh, marking the most substantial military surrender post-World War II.

Who was Sam Manekshaw?

• Sam Manekshaw was the Indian Chief of the Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war. 
• He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal.
• He is often regarded as the architect of India’s victory during the 1971 war.

Q1) What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1999 conflict with Pakistan. It honors the bravery of Indian soldiers in the war.

Source: ‘Sacrifice forever etched in our hearts’: PM Modi, leaders across parties pay tributes on Vijay Diwas

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