Every year, between December and March, debates ensue in the media on 1971. Why did Pakistan divide into two? Who is responsible for it? And, did we learn lessons? March 1971 was a crucial time in Pakistan's history. The people of West Pakistan were unaware of the developments in East Pakistan because of heavy censorship.
The memories of the time are etched in my memory. I was thirteen then.
On March 1, 1971, President Yahya Khan postponed the opening of the National Assembly indefinitely. It was a huge blow to the people of East Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s dream of becoming the prime minister of Pakistan got shattered.
On March 3, 1971, a student leader raised a new flag displaying a map of East Pakistan. On March 7, 1971, Rehman declared the start of the peaceful non-cooperation movement, and demanded: Martial law to be lifted, all military personnel to return to barracks, investigation of all acts of violence and killings, and hand over power to the people's representative.
Hectic negotiations followed between representatives of East and West Pakistan. Then came the disastrous night in the history of Pakistan -- on March 25, 1971, General Tikka Khan commenced the Operation Searchlight. He said to his comrades, “I want land, not people” (mitti chahiye, aadmi nahi chahiye). Mujibur Rehman was arrested and sent to jail in West Pakistan.
On March 26, a crackdown was ordered on the Dhaka University, police lines and East Pakistan Rifle Headquarters among other places – to target the Awami League supporters.
Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, known as Sher-e-Bengal, had proposed to the British in Lahore on March 23, 1940 that the Muslim majority areas in India should create a new country called Pakistan. Ironically, decades later, on March 26, 1971, Bengalis of East Pakistan rejected Pakistan. The Operation Searchlight, initiated on March 25, marked a clear division between Bengali and non-Bengali. Bengali officers and soldiers were disarmed and killed. This caused Bengali officers and soldiers to revolt.
On March 27, 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on radio. Millions of people ran for their lives to India. Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) started the liberation war under the command of Bengali officers.
Imagine, if the Indian army randomly begin to kill Sikh people in Punjab. If millions of Sikhs take shelter in Pakistan, what will Pakistan do for Khalistan? To understand this, one does not have to be Aristotle or Socrates. Every country needs strong armed forces for security. But when a commander of a powerful, disciplined force breaks his oath and turns against the constitutional government, who could be a bigger traitor (gaddar) than him?
No good leader cannot build a strong nation if he constantly fears a coup. Security forces must obey the constitution, never interfere in politics or public policy. They must remain loyal to their country.
In July 2016, the people of Turkey saved their country by coming out in the streets and resisting a coup d'état. Pakistan needs a similar spirit to protect and develop its country. It must invest in human resources, reform the social justice system, and fight against corruption and discrimination. With a strong leadership, a robust economy and a balanced budget, Pakistan will have a huge potential. The young workforce is a blessing for the country. I see a bright future for Pakistan.
The memories of the time are etched in my memory. I was thirteen then.
On March 1, 1971, President Yahya Khan postponed the opening of the National Assembly indefinitely. It was a huge blow to the people of East Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s dream of becoming the prime minister of Pakistan got shattered.
On March 3, 1971, a student leader raised a new flag displaying a map of East Pakistan. On March 7, 1971, Rehman declared the start of the peaceful non-cooperation movement, and demanded: Martial law to be lifted, all military personnel to return to barracks, investigation of all acts of violence and killings, and hand over power to the people's representative.
Hectic negotiations followed between representatives of East and West Pakistan. Then came the disastrous night in the history of Pakistan -- on March 25, 1971, General Tikka Khan commenced the Operation Searchlight. He said to his comrades, “I want land, not people” (mitti chahiye, aadmi nahi chahiye). Mujibur Rehman was arrested and sent to jail in West Pakistan.
Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, known as Sher-e-Bengal, had proposed to the British in Lahore on March 23, 1940 that the Muslim majority areas in India should create a new country called Pakistan. Ironically, decades later, on March 26, 1971, Bengalis of East Pakistan rejected Pakistan.
On March 26, a crackdown was ordered on the Dhaka University, police lines and East Pakistan Rifle Headquarters among other places – to target the Awami League supporters.
Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, known as Sher-e-Bengal, had proposed to the British in Lahore on March 23, 1940 that the Muslim majority areas in India should create a new country called Pakistan. Ironically, decades later, on March 26, 1971, Bengalis of East Pakistan rejected Pakistan. The Operation Searchlight, initiated on March 25, marked a clear division between Bengali and non-Bengali. Bengali officers and soldiers were disarmed and killed. This caused Bengali officers and soldiers to revolt.
On March 27, 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on radio. Millions of people ran for their lives to India. Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) started the liberation war under the command of Bengali officers.
Imagine, if the Indian army randomly begin to kill Sikh people in Punjab. If millions of Sikhs take shelter in Pakistan, what will Pakistan do for Khalistan? To understand this, one does not have to be Aristotle or Socrates. Every country needs strong armed forces for security. But when a commander of a powerful, disciplined force breaks his oath and turns against the constitutional government, who could be a bigger traitor (gaddar) than him?
No good leader cannot build a strong nation if he constantly fears a coup. Security forces must obey the constitution, never interfere in politics or public policy. They must remain loyal to their country.
In July 2016, the people of Turkey saved their country by coming out in the streets and resisting a coup d'état. Pakistan needs a similar spirit to protect and develop its country. It must invest in human resources, reform the social justice system, and fight against corruption and discrimination. With a strong leadership, a robust economy and a balanced budget, Pakistan will have a huge potential. The young workforce is a blessing for the country. I see a bright future for Pakistan.