by Shaimin Raja 15 December 2023
The reverberations of the separation in 1971, when East Pakistan metamorphosed into Bangladesh, still echo with a haunting melody of myths and poignant memories. This chapter in history was marked by the visceral violence that ensued, leaving indelible scars on the hearts of those who had once fought side by side for liberation from colonial rule. As we peer into the past, it becomes imperative to untangle the myths that have woven themselves into the narrative of the 1971 war, shedding light on the complexities of a nation torn asunder.
The separation of East and West Pakistan in 1971 was not just a geopolitical event; it birthed a multitude of myths, perpetuated by the fog of war and the absence of objective reporting. The aftermath, characterized by the Dionysian frenzy of orgiastic killings, eventually gave way to introspection, revealing the sobering realization of a violent rupture between brothers who had fought together for their freedom. The common man in both East and West Pakistan never desired such a sorry state of affairs, where erstwhile comrades became adversaries in a tragic drama.
One prevailing myth revolves around the notion that Pakistani troops had no chance due to adverse operational conditions during the war. The truth is that, despite being heavily outnumbered and facing a pincer movement of three Indian Corps with complete air superiority, Pakistani troops fought valiantly. The sin of separation cannot be expiated easily, but the minarets of Dacca’s main mosque, promising a future rapprochement, provided a glimmer of hope amid the despair. The denouement of the separation featured the conjoined twins being separated by India, as acknowledged by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who candidly remarked on the valiant fight put up by Pakistani troops. The tragedy of 1971 was born out of a series of errors spanning three decades, with mistakes made by both West and East Pakistan’s elite. The price, however, was paid by the people.
Myths surrounding the number of casualties during the war gained traction, with bizarre figures circulating in perpetuity. The blackout of news in East Pakistan, coupled with the expulsion of foreign reporters, allowed for the dissemination of one-sided lies about the ground situation. The lack of impartial reporting contributed to the perpetuation of these myths. The infiltration of Indian spies and the training of the Mukti Bahini by India made a political rapprochement difficult. The launch of Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971, was aimed at restoring order in the face of an insurgency. While Pakistani forces fought heroically, they faced overwhelming odds, with over 100,000 Mukti Bahini insurgents and 200,000 Indian troops pitted against them.
One of the enduring myths is the claim of 3 million deaths and 200,000 rapes by Pakistani troops. Independent scholars, however, have debunked these figures. Estimates by researchers like Sarmila Bose and Sayyid A Karim place the total casualties between 50,000 and 100,000. The exaggerated claims were part of a narrative to demonize the Pakistan Army and build a revisionist myth of independence from tyranny.
Similarly, the myth of 90,000 prisoners of war (POWs) belonging to the Pakistani army has been refuted by well-researched works. The actual bayonet strength is believed to be around 34,000. India’s attempt to magnify its battlefield gains through obfuscation of facts is evident, with Mukti Bahini camps producing fighters every six weeks both before and during the war. Acknowledging these busted myths and hidden realities is crucial to honoring the memory of all those who lost their lives in the fratricidal conflict of 1971. It is a pathway to assuage the pangs of separation and make a new beginning. Reflecting on the tragedy requires a nuanced understanding of the complexities and an unwavering commitment to truth and reconciliation.
As we navigate the intricate tapestry of history, it is our collective responsibility to challenge the myths that perpetuate misunderstanding and sow seeds of discord. Only through a candid reckoning with the past can we hope to forge a future marked by understanding, empathy, and a shared commitment to peace. The tragedy of 1971 should serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of division and the imperative of fostering unity, not only within nations but across borders.
In conclusion, the scars of 1971 run deep, but they also offer an opportunity for introspection and a collective commitment to a more harmonious future. By dispelling the myths that cloud our understanding of history, we pave the way for a narrative grounded in truth and reconciliation. It is through such an honest appraisal of the past that we can build bridges of understanding and work towards a future where the lessons learned from the tragedy of 1971 guide us towards unity, peace, and shared prosperity.