Mukti Joddhas May Not Attend This Year's Vijay Diwas Celebrations in Kolkata
Click to start listening
Kolkata, Dec 6 (NationPress) It appears that the Mukti Joddhas or active military personnel from Bangladesh will not be present at the Indian Army's 53rd Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata. The Eastern Command of the Army holds this event annually to honor India's critical victory over Pakistan during the 1971 War, which facilitated the liberation of Bangladesh.
Since the inception of these celebrations, a delegation from Bangladesh, including Mukti Joddhas, their partners, legislators, and serving military officials, has participated in the events over a span of 3-4 days.
This custom persisted even when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia.
A program outline released by the Eastern Command on Friday indicated a visit from war veterans of the Indian Army, including a wreath-laying ceremony and military tattoo.
However, there was no indication of a Bangladeshi delegation's visit. When pressed by reporters about the Mukti Joddhas' involvement in the celebrations, Maj Gen Mohit Seth, Major General, General Staff (MGGS), Eastern Command, responded: "We will let you know."
"During the 1971 War, the Indian Army collaborated with the Mukti Bahini, which included the Mukti Joddhas, in all military operations. Prior to the 13-day conflict, horrific atrocities were committed by Pakistan against the Bengali nationalists, referred to as Operation Searchlight. Thousands were killed and injured during this brutal crackdown, leading many to flee East Pakistan, with numerous individuals finding refuge in West Bengal. During the ensuing war, the Indian Army had the Mukti Joddhas as valiant allies, supported by the civilian population," stated the MGGS.
He further elaborated on how India facilitated the release of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from imprisonment in West Pakistan.
"The conflict culminated with the unconditional surrender of Pakistan on December 16, 1971, and by January 1972, Indian forces began their withdrawal from Bangladesh. All Indian troops had departed the nation within three months," added Maj Gen Seth.
Political and military analysts noted that many Mukti Joddhas have either escaped Bangladesh or are maintaining a discreet presence following the unrest preceding August 5 of this year, when Sheikh Hasina was compelled to flee after resigning as Prime Minister.
Any effort by the Mukti Joddhas to join the event in Kolkata could expose them to potential reprisals from groups that have largely disregarded their contributions, as well as India's role in the establishment of Bangladesh.
