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Operation Searchlight was a brutal military campaign launched by the Pakistan Army on March 25, 1971, to suppress the nationalist movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The operation marked the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War and led to mass atrocities, including genocide, widespread human rights violations, and the eventual independence of Bangladesh.
This eBook explores the historical background, execution, impact, and legacy of Operation Searchlight, providing valuable insights for UPSC aspirants preparing for history, polity, and international relations topics.
Pakistan, created in 1947, was geographically divided into West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh), separated by 1,600 km of Indian territory. Despite East Pakistan having a larger population, political and economic power remained concentrated in West Pakistan. Discontent grew due to economic disparity, cultural suppression, and political marginalization.
In the 1970 general elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority, securing 160 out of 162 East Pakistani seats in the National Assembly. However, the ruling West Pakistani establishment, led by General Yahya Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, refused to transfer power. This led to protests, strikes, and demands for autonomy in East Pakistan.
On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight in Dhaka and other major cities. The operation aimed to eliminate political opposition, target intellectuals, and suppress the nationalist movement through mass killings, destruction, and arrests. Key aspects included:
Attack on Dhaka University: Students and professors were massacred, and buildings were set ablaze.
Assault on Political Leaders: Awami League leaders were arrested or killed. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was detained and taken to West Pakistan.
Mass Killings and Rape: Civilians, including Hindus and Bengali Muslims, were targeted. Reports estimate that thousands were killed in the first few days alone.
Suppression of Media: Foreign journalists were expelled, and censorship was imposed.
The brutality of Operation Searchlight fueled the resistance. Millions of refugees fled to India, prompting international condemnation. The Mukti Bahini (liberation fighters) launched a guerrilla war against the Pakistan Army, receiving support from India.
On December 3, 1971, India officially intervened, leading to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Within two weeks, Pakistani forces surrendered in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, marking the birth of Bangladesh.
Geopolitical Shift: The war reshaped South Asian geopolitics, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Genocide Recognition: The killings are considered one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century.
India-Bangladesh Relations: India emerged as a key ally of Bangladesh, influencing regional politics.
Operation Searchlight was a turning point in South Asian history, highlighting the dangers of political oppression and military crackdowns. For UPSC aspirants, understanding its significance provides insights into international relations, human rights, and post-colonial history.
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