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1971 war: The story of India's victory, Pak's surrender, Bangladesh freedom

The Indian Army brought Pakistani army to its knees, took 93,000 Pakistani prisoners and gave 75 million people of Bangladesh their independence

1971 India-Pakistan war
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Lt Gen Niazi signing the Instrument of Surrender under the gaze of Lt Gen Aurora. (Photo: Wikipedia)

BS Web team
December 16 is a significant day for India and its neighbours Bangladesh and Pakistan. In 1971, India won the war against Pakistan that resulted in the birth of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).

On this day 47 years ago, Pakistan lost half its country, its forces in the East, and had to publicly surrender to India. It was also the largest military surrender after World War II. 

The war started when Pakistan launched air strikes on 11 Indian airbases. It was perhaps the first time in which India's all three forces fought in unison.

India quickly responded to Pakistan Army's movements

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