Why did Pakistan attack Bangladesh in 1971?

A planned military pacification carried out by the Pakistan Army—codenamed Operation Searchlight—started on 25 March 1971 to curb the Bengali independence movement by taking control of the major cities on 26 March, and then eliminating all opposition, political or military, within one month.

What did the Pakistan army do on the night of 25th March 1971?

The nation recalls today the Black Night of March 25. On this fateful night in 1971, the Pakistani military junta launched the “Operation Searchlight” and mercilessly killed the Bangalee members of East Pakistan Rifles and police, students and teachers as well as thousands of common people in Dhaka city.

How many Hindus were killed in East Pakistan?

2 and resorted to indiscriminate looting, arson and murder. More than 700 Hindus, men, women and children were massacred. Several women were abducted.

What did East Pakistan became in 1971?

As of 16 December 1971, East Pakistan was separated from West Pakistan and became the newly independent state of Bangladesh.

What is the reason of 1971 war?

The 1971 Indo-Pakistan conflict was a result of the Bangladesh Liberation war when Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) was fighting for freedom from (West) Pakistan. In 1971, the Pakistani Army began its barbaric genocide on innocent Bengali population, particularly the minority Hindu population in the East.

Why is 25th March called black night?

Bangabandhu had given the poor people a vision for which they took to the streets and so their homes were razed to the ground. Fleeing men, women and children were shot dead. The night of 25 March is known as the Black Night. It is the darkest night in the country’s history when the genocide began.

When did the largest number of executions of intellectuals take place in Bangladesh?

Intellectuals were killed throughout the entire duration of the war. The largest number of executions took place on 25 March and 14 December 1971, as it became apparent that Bangladesh could become independent. 14 December is commemorated in Bangladesh as Martyred Intellectuals Day.

Why was there a civil war in East Pakistan in 1971 7 marks marking scheme?

The conflict was a result of the Bangladesh Liberation war, when Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) was fighting to seek freedom from (West) Pakistan. In 1971, Pakistani Army began to commit the barbaric genocide on innocent Bengali population, particularly the minority Hindu population in East Pakistan.

What did the Pakistani Army do during the 1971 Indo-Pak war?

Sydney Schanberg reported the formation of armed civilian units by the Pakistani Army in June 1971. Only a minority of the recruits were Bengali while most were Biharis and Urdu speakers. The units with local knowledge played an important role in the implementation of the Pakistani Army’s genocide.

Was the breakup of Pakistan inevitable?

The units with local knowledge played an important role in the implementation of the Pakistani Army’s genocide. American writer Gary J. Bass believes that the breakup of Pakistan was not inevitable, identifying 25 March 1971 as the point where the idea of a united Pakistan ended for Bengalis with the start of military operations.

How did Operation Searchlight end the Bangladesh genocide?

The Pakistani Army surrendered to Indian forces days later, ending the genocide on December 16, 1971. Though Bangladesh established its initial independence directly following Operation Searchlight, the people of Bangladesh established themselves and their nation as a peaceful country, and began the reconciliation process.

How did West Pakistan contribute to the Bengali independence movement?

Additionally, West Pakistan neglected to send adequate aid following the Bhola Cyclone that ravaged East Pakistan, and left close to 500,000 dead in 1970 (Pai 2008). The amalgamation of denied human rights contributed to the commencement of the Bengali independence movement.