India Backs Bangladesh’s Call for Justice Over 1971 Atrocities
NEW DELHI — India on Friday voiced support for Bangladesh’s demand for justice over the mass killings and atrocities carried out by Pakistani forces during Operation Searchlight in 1971, reaffirming its stance on one of the region’s most painful historical episodes.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the events of March 1971 involved “systematic and targeted killing” of millions of Bangladeshis, along with widespread sexual violence against women.
“We are all aware of the terrible atrocities that were committed by Pakistan during Operation Searchlight in 1971. The genocide involved the systematic and targeted killing of millions of Bangladeshi people, innocent people, and mass sexual violence against women. It also forced millions of Bangladeshi people out of their country. They came to India as refugees. These atrocities, needless to say, shook the conscience of the world at large. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes. We support Bangladesh in its desire for justice,” Jaiswal said.
The remarks came as Bangladesh marked Genocide Day earlier this week, commemorating victims of the March 25, 1971 crackdown by Pakistani forces.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described the events as a “pre-planned massacre” and among the most brutal chapters in the country’s history.
“March 25, 1971, is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, March 25, 1971, remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days,” he said in a statement.
Rahman said Pakistani forces launched one of the most “heinous” campaigns against unarmed civilians, targeting teachers, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens at multiple locations, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines.
Jaiswal also emphasized the importance of India’s relationship with Bangladesh, noting that both sides remain engaged in strengthening bilateral ties.
“A new government has been formed in Bangladesh. Our Speaker, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, was sent to attend the swearing-in ceremony of this government. Our Prime Minister sent a congratulatory letter through him, and also sent a letter outlining our vision for how we want to take this relationship forward. Discussions are ongoing on both sides. We want to not only maintain our diverse relationships with Bangladesh, but also strengthen and expand them further,” he said.
India and Bangladesh share close political, economic, and cultural ties, with both governments continuing discussions aimed at deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. (Source: IANS)
