On December 16 , Vijay Diwas or Victory Day is commemorated ,celebrating India’s historic victory against Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the liberation of Bangladesh.
On this day 51 years ago, India declared victory after Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender . On December 16 , the entire nation pay tribute to martyrs and remember the sacrifices of their soldiers during the war , Vijay Diwas commemorates and celebrates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in ‘Operation: Vijay’ against the infiltrating Pakistani troops. .
Vijay Diwas: History
Ever since the partition of India and Pakistan in the year 1947, there has always been disturbance between both the countries for many reasons . Pakistan then consisted of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan). Since beginning both the parts of Pakistan had severe problems and conflicts. The major issues were triggered by geographical disconnection and cultural conflict. As for instance when Urdu, used in West Pakistan, was made the official language of the country, it was seen as an imposition on the culture of the people in the East. Besides East Pakistan was often disregarded in terms of administration since the top superior posts were held by those in the West.
Gradually this led to the 1971 war , which forced the Indian troops to get involved; Non-muslims residing in West Pakistan were being targeted and required intervention. The Indo-Pak War continued for 13 days, ending on December 16, 1971, which resulted in the liberation of a new country by the name of Bangladesh.
And eight months after the war, India and Pakistan settled the Shimla Agreement on August 1972, which led to the release of the 93,000 Pakistani troops who had surrendered, and the creation of Bangladesh while establishing the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
This day is observed as a proud moment for the Indian army and India has been celebrating December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate its victory, and since Bangladesh also earned its independent status on this day, so the day is celebrated in Bangladesh as ‘Bijoy Dibos.’
