Creation of Bangladesh: Shining Moment or Strategic Blunder
“DURGA ASTRIDE A TIGER”. This is how Atal Behari Vajpayee described Indira Gandhi immediately after India’s lightening victory in the 1971 war, which resulted in creation of Bangladesh. Ironically and now in retrospect, correctly, he led a protest march against Shimla Agreement in 1972. In the best tradition of the Indian State, whatever was won militarily has been thrown away at the negotiating table time after time.
Although creation of Bangladesh was hailed as a defining moment in the history of the sub continent at that time, it is turning out to be a strategic nightmare now. Bangladesh would have been created, perhaps of its own steam, sooner or later. But by our intervention we have created a problem for us with serious strategic disadvantages.
By creating Bangladesh, we have made an implacable enemy of Pakistan for whom Balkanisation of India by whatever means has become an article of faith.
With Bangladesh as its Eastern Wing, Pakistan was always unbalanced. With its severance, Pakistan is now a viable and cohesive entity with its Armed Forces much more capable of not only defending her territory but carrying the war into India as per its doctrine of ‘Offensive Defence’.
By creating Bangladesh, we have made an implacable enemy of Pakistan for whom Balkanisation of India by whatever means has become an article of faith. Even if Kashmir problem is resolved to Pakistan’s satisfaction, its hostility towards India is not going to come to an end. It will find some other means to continue its strategic aim – break up of India. This fact is not understood by many peaceniks and those who believe that people to people contact and mouthing of platitudes will resolve all problems between India and Pakistan.
Bangladesh in the meantime has reached the other extreme. Not only its history has been falsified to eliminate Indian Army’s role in the creation of Bangladesh, it is firmly in the Pakistani camp – lock, stock and barrel. It is indeed tragic. West Pakistan always treated East Pakistan with contempt. It was a strange case of creation of a nation with its two wings thousands of miles apart held together only by a tenuous link of religion. Bangladesh has conveniently forgotten how inhumanly its citizens were treated by West Pakistanis when it was a part of Pakistan. To put things in correct perspective. It may be relevant to quote a passage from C-in-C Bangladesh, General MAG Osmany’s letter to Lt Gen Gul Hassan Khan, C-in-C Pakistan Army in 1972 after the creation of Bangladesh.
Even when we wish to erect fence within our territory to check illegal infiltration, Bangladesh takes an offence to it and the worst part is we pause to ponder over their protests. And now they have the temerity to try to stop construction of border fence by firing.
“The seventy five million people of Bangladesh were subjected to the most inhuman form of genocide, rape, repression and arson by Pakistani Armed Forces who exhibited not the slightest hesitation in killing their Bengali brother officers and men, unarmed and in cold blood – all aimed at denial of human rights guaranteed by United Nations Charter. Indeed history does not have a single instance of inhuman acts which can equal the bestial treatment meted out to our people between night 25/26 March 1971 to the day before surrender. History’s most ignominous defeat in which some 93,000 professional and very well equipped soldiers led by their officers including a substantial number of General Officers bowed to lay down their arms and were stripped of their badges of ranks is therefore the justice meted by God such as he has always done and promised to do”. Forgetting all the above, Bangladesh is now cozying up to Pakistan compromising even its self respect in the process.
Bangladesh is becoming a safe heaven for all militant groups of North East but it consistently denies existence of militant camps even when presented with irrefutable evidence. Pakistan ISI is also having a field day in Bangladesh carrying out anti India activities in collusion with the militant groups based there. Infiltration from Bangladesh has become alarming with all North Eastern States swamped by Bangladeshis. In future Bangladesh may well claim North East to be an integral part of Bangladesh. A few years ago, when the author was undergoing National Defence College course in Delhi, he discussed this issue with the Bangladesh officer, his colleague on the course. The Bangladesh officer told the author that actually India is mistaken. It is Indians who are infiltrating into Bangladesh in large numbers due to stark poverty in India and are creating law and order problem there. Never before such pearls of wisdom were heard.
Bangladesh has created formidable armed forces, far in excess to its needs, which could well collude with Chinese, should a war with that nation come about in the future.
Day in and day out, Bangladesh accuses us of diverting Ganga water into Hoogly to save the Calcutta port thereby causing unprecedented drought in that water logged country.
Instead of we treating Bangladesh Rifles as the rag tag force they are, they are treating our Border Security Force with contempt. Every day there is firing on the borders and abduction of personnel who are then killed in the most inhuman fashion. Even when we wish to erect fence within our territory to check illegal infiltration, Bangladesh takes an offence to it and the worst part is we pause to ponder over their protests. And now they have the temerity to try to stop construction of border fence by firing. And the mighty Indian state with visions of becoming a world power only watches as a disinterested bystander.
Day in and day out, Bangladesh accuses us of diverting Ganga water into Hoogly to save the Calcutta port thereby causing unprecedented drought in that water logged country. The logic should beat anyone but the result is that we have not been able to harness waters of any of the river of North East including the mighty Brahmaputra for irrigation or electricity generation. This is even when a river water sharing treaty was signed with Bangladesh in 1975 when Sheikh Mujib was still alive and subsequent unilateral concessions were given by the Gujral govt to Bangladesh.
Hindu minority in Bangladesh receives the worst treatment, even worse than in Pakistan. No Govt in India has had the inclination, or courage to take it up with the Bangladesh govt. The Indian state is treated more or less like a banana republic by its neighbours. They fear China but have only contempt for us.
| Editor's Pick |
Why have things gone wrong? Political handling of the aftermath of 1971 was strangely naïve to say the least. This has been so both with Pakistan as well as Bangladesh. While with Pakistan we missed the golden opportunity to sort out the Kashmir problem, with Banglaesh we were much too generous without an iota of reciprocity. A few legitimate concessions should have been obtained from Bangladesh. First and foremost should have been the treaty of trade and transit across Bangladesh from North Eastern States. The time to cover the distance from Agartala to Kolkata would have been reduced to six hours instead of four days it takes at present. Incidentally such an arrangement existed between India and Pakistan till 1965 war when it was arbitrarily withdrawn by Pakistan. We should have also sorted out the problem of ‘Chits’ or the enclaves of both countries in each other’s territory. These have become an unending headache. Perhaps Siliguri corridor should have been widened with concession elsewhere. Ironclad guarantees should have been obtained with regard to utilization of river waters. This has become an intractable problem now. Bangladesh should also have been asked to give guarantee that its soil will not be used for anti India activity. It was possible at that time since Sheikh Mujib was still in power and Bangladesh was grateful for Indian help not only for creation of their nation but bearing the burden of ten million refugees for eight long months.
We have learnt nothing from the past. In 1972, Indira Gandhi thought that by making concessions to Bhutto, she will earn his goodwill. What we got instead is a nuclear Pakistan.
What is the way ahead? We need to introspect. Why is it that despite our size, population, economic strength and armed might, our smaller neighbours do not fear us as they do the Chinese. A case in point is the recent case of sabotage of SAARC Summit in Dacca by Nepal. At the instigation of China or perhaps in order to spite India for its stance on restoration of democracy in Nepal, the King insisted on inclusion of China as an observer. The King knew very well that SAARC Charter does not have such a provision. Yet he linked this issue with admission of Afghanistan as a member of SAARC. Thus what we thought was a open and shut case turned out to be a fiasco. Even Bhutan with whom we have a treaty, is conducting negotiations with China on boundary issue keeping us in dark and may well spring a surprise on us to our strategic disadvantage. The case of Bangladesh, specially is sad indeed. It is one of cutting your nose to spite your face. Our foreign policy mandarins may do well to look into their backyard instead of chasing mirages like a seat in the UN Security Council.
Every election time, Bangladesh goes through convulsions. Same is the case now. The two Beghums have reduced the whole election process to a farce. In no democratic country, executive powers are handed over to someone else to conduct elections. Hopefully better sense will prevail and election process, however farcial, will be gone through. We also need to seriously reexamine our policy of investing in individuals rather than institutions. We have learnt nothing from the past. In 1972, Indira Gandhi thought that by making concessions to Bhutto, she will earn his goodwill. What we got instead is a nuclear Pakistan. Similarly in Bangladesh, we put all our eggs earlier in Sheikh Mujib’s basket. With his assassination, we lost all our bargaining power. Thereafter it was Sheikh Hasina’s turn. The result is that whenever Beghum Khalida Zia comes to power, anti Indian forces gain upper hand. Unfortunately in our country foreign policy has been made an exclusive preserve of the ruling party. What we need is greater transparency and greater debate – both within the Parliament as also out side in the media and think tanks. But perhaps it may be too much to expect.
About the author
Maj Gen Sheru Thapliyal
Most Popular
Lancer Military Bookshop
Interviews / Spotlight
“This is another type of war, new in its intensity, ancient in its origin — war by guerrillas, subversives, insurgents, terrorists, war by ambush instead of by combat; by infiltration, instead of aggression, seeking victory by eroding...
Read More
Archives
© Copyright 2012 Indian Defence Review
Zhao asked Liu to move a matter of mental illness on the two old people seemed reluctant to mention but a part of Zhao know almost the same, we end up talking to Liu forward young, then obviously the two old men emotions a lot better, beats by dr dre studio limited edition and just has a great contrast. Liu forward a young man with the wish of the father, a soldier, when the monitor is still forces to get a second function, named pacesetter. After being discharged, assigned to the local life of that time, Liu forward has embarked on a track, introduced to Wang Hui, beats by dre studio limited edition and then marry and have children who would like to happen, the two old men here, as if complain about a twist of fate the end of the day did not expect to be able to happen, his son became mentally ill, although healed, but in the end and her daughter missing. The old man said, shed tears, beats studio limited edition norway saying the turbulent past of the face, Zhao Ming is not good news to go on, and fetched 50,000 dollars handed the old couple who, the old couple also refused to accept anything, factor into their hands, bought a ticket for them, send them got on, Before his departure, Zhao serious Liu forward parents, beats studio limited edition believe that your son is not mentally ill, left the station. Road Zhao heart heavy, Liu forward death, to see a lot of things, is not believed to be a dreadful thing, an
1This let me that is exciting and
Coach Factory Online
embarrassed. Actually,I often console myselfCoach Factory Outlet Online
I would have forgotten himNick ran hard, dazed a head, the sweat streaming down from the forehead, can not remember the teenage time, just a vague memory of a little mother, for many years, so many years, beats solo hd headphones watching the other children with like a baby in the arms of their parents, looking at them playing with their parents to buy toys, he used to be how envy how eager many years an alcoholic father did not let him feel what caring for Jenny teacher behavior is temporarily unable to accept. beats solo headphones dre Felt unable to run again, Nick's footsteps gradually slow down, one hand supporting poles breathing heavily, looked up and hope the next four weeks, the original, unwittingly, has run a community garbage temporarily dumps, beats by dre solo hd this area of ??the pedestrians must detour, but it is a place he frequented. This is a little garbage piled at the garbage of the community, basically heap here and then shipped by car to go, he knew another half an hour, garbage hauling vehicles will come to rubbish transported to the crematorium, and within half an hour, he put inside the things they need to pick out.
A few minutes later, the young partner became the third-class character of the limelight in the ballroom. A Pianpianshaonian, a beauty girl, beats Lady Gaga headphones dre not only add luster to the civilian ballroom, but also brought a wave filled with youthful vigor, vitality. No one to stop the dance, but are enjoying the great big V, rotate freely dance, tambourine knock louder, beats by dre Lady Gaga bagpipes blown brighter, the pas de deux of Jack and Ruth steerage party to climax ...... "Stop, Jack, stop stop!" Ruth while jumping side smiled and cried loudly. beats by dr dre Lady Gaga She seems to want to tell Jack what Jack do not want to hear, but also can not hear, just want to hold Ruth does not stop to jump. Probably feel the dance floor is not enough, Jack again regardless of whether the Ruth brought to the the ballroom edge of a small platform, may be acting area, used for professional performers, about one meter off the ground, Jack jump step up to gel strands up.
Hermes Outlet birkin is certainly a massive name. Hermes is recognised like a well-known considerable style brand name near to the world now. Hermes largely products are scarf,supra shoes, box, specifically hermes bag. Hermes beauty world Birkin bag, and stylish and luxurious design. Hermes Birkin bag is recognised like a well-known style bag, most individuals cannot get their arms on one essential index. But they must not be worried cannot purchase one. hermes handbags outlet extremely affordable custom made provide hermes handbags as hermes Birkin 40 bag. Hermes handbag is positively by experienced production process, some experienced prospects to their considerable price.
Louis Vuitton Outlet makes accessories, purses, and full collections of baggage as well as other components. Their whole products are created from only the most beautiful components available on the globe. And their long custom to quality assures you only the best products. louis vuitton outlets is a developer that is familiar with to develop their styles while including advancement and style. Their experienced performers are second to none generating the most perfect purses and accessories on the market.
Gucci Outlet online In low element, it is really defined the best way this unique ritual had been performed and also the regular, severe difort these kinds of younger looking ladies professional. Your grips are constructed from a number of elements for example wood, bamboo plants producing associated with polymer and you will probably find a a number of gucci outlet store personal design and style. If you want for any group of seriously particular creator footwear, then you'll have the ability to get all these at Quincy.
Whatever you select, it really is crucial to get one of the most accu
The specific Longchamp Disaountare developed with parachute product. They could most very likely be heat-durable, broad and challenging, and shininess away from your place region is restricted, you most very likely can observe twill by place these Longchamp Bagswithin magnification glass. acquiring stated that, the pretend Longchamp nylon purses are developed from prevalent Longchamp Outle substance substance fibre which tends to create the purses skinny, lumination or image with also much. they are completely obvious within of just the place for the purses or darkish colored, which signifies you can uncover round areas subsequent you arranged theLongchamp Storebelow the magnifing glass.
Down by the salley gardens my love and I did meet; She passed the salley gardens with little snow-white feet. She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree; But I, being young and foolish, with her would not agree.fashion season zIn a field by the river my love and I did stand,And on my leaning shoulder she laid her snow-white hand.She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs;But I was young and foolish, and now am full of tears.cheap replica swiss watches z
Coach Factory Niuyue Mai The re-opening the first flagship store in Dixon Avenue; Cheap Coach Handbags a symbol of its important position in the fashion industry in the United States; the the Zhongshan flagship store opening in 2006; 2005 Louis Vuitton UK Niuyue Mai The re-opening the first flagship store in Dixon Avenue; Reed Krakoff earned his second CFDA annual Accessories Design Award in 2004; 2003 Coach Factory Outlet Logo (Mini Signature) series; Tokyo Shibuya store opened in 2003 Coach bags sale Tokyo Ginza flagship store opening in 2002; Louis Vuitton Japan branch was established in 2001; authorized Steelcase production of furniture; Reed, Krakoff, to obtain the annual CFDA Accessory Design Award; introduction of Beats y dr dre Logo (Signature), jewelry, travel and other series;
Truly fine content…The admin have a great information..I contribute to your skilled through.. I hope you post again soon. I am very pleased to leave a comment to this blog out there who put out really honest information...mothers day flowers delivery | mothers day flower basket
Really excellent content…The management have a great information.. I expect you post once more soon. I am very satisfied to leave a comment on this blog out there who put out really sincere information...Thanks adminflowers delivery italy | sending flower to usa
Wow! It was a blast! Randy Montana is the best, i really had fun during his tour here in detroit. I'm looking forward on seeing his one of his concerts again! Thanks for posting this schedule,Testking 1z0-051||Testking 1z0-851||Testking 000-153||Testking 70-450||Testking 640-801||Testking 642-467||Testking 642-359||Testking 650-368||
I Enjoyed reading those beautiful comments. It seems very useful and informative for us. Keep posting more wonderful thoughts...............home decorators
I enjoyed every little bit part of it and I will be waiting for the new updates.Thanks for sharing....
Thank you for sharing This knowledge.Excellently written article, if only all bloggers offered the same level of content as you, the internet would be a much better place. Please keep it up!University Hoodies
The only way to solve the issues with Pakistan and Bangladesh is by reuniting them with India. All the problems with these 2 neighbours came after the partition. Its the only way to sort the terrorism and counter China, the biggest threat. Unlike Germany, the unification will not be peaceful. We should be ready to fight this war. Unfortunately, we are currently not prepared nor getting ready to prepared for a full scale Nuclear war on multiple fronts. Yes the war will not be with just Pakistan and China, but also with smaller neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal and possible Sri Lanka. We should prepare for the final war to unite our nation. It will be bloody and costly, its worth to loss few millions peope instead of subjecting billion plus people to be ruled by Pakistan and China.
There are so many factual error's that I am worried where do I start? Bangladesh's PMs direct supervision to help solve India's security issue is well known all over the world. In fact USA also praised Bangladesh for it and removing barriers from any delay. I did not see the author has any clue about it. As far as Ganga water is concern, it is an international river and it is only NATURAL that, Bangladesh will need enough water to prevent an ecological nightmare it has been going through for over thirty years. Many rivers simply dried up. Putting up fence is Indian choice but not a smart choice. It forces people of a genuinely friendly country to be treated like criminals. Only criminals have NO problem crossing border (As long both border forces were given money for it!!). So it only ruins good relations among good people. Even a much better fence in the US-Mexico border failed to "Secure" the USA. Only corrupt politicians and contractors gained from the fence but the centuries old friendship was stretched because of it. The author actually demonstrated the very problem Bangladeshi people have with Indian policies. Bangladesh is NOT a state of India. It is a country. India cannot order another country to give corridor or give up more land, so India's chicken neck can be widened. As the author imagined. Right now Indian government is working with Bangla government to figure out a way to get this concession from Bangladesh. I can go on about factual mistakes on this article but I think I said enough. This sort of misleading articles ONLY hurt relationships between friendly people.
An Indian government decided to given the small part of land to Bangladesh it was so embarrassing day for India to face that problem.But after 1971 they were take great decision by Atal Bihari and Indira Gandhi.
This is post more informative because in the post has been define the Atal Behari Vajpayee define the creation of Bangladesh shining moment strategic moment so that can be able to understand due to in the post. it konsulent
Nice information to the Bangladesh to the mission of China and other country to distribute the water and other assessors.escorts
This information is really true about the Bangladesh for try to take Ganga\'s water to save their fort,which is situate to the near of Nepal and consuming the river.