50th Vijay Diwas

In News 

• The Prime Minister of India led the nation in paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 war on the 50th Vijay Diwas.

About Vijay Diwas 

• Vijay Diwas is observed to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war and the Liberation of Bangladesh. 
• The year 2021 is being observed as Swarnim Vijay Varsh to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

About 1971 Indo-Pak war 

• Background:
  • After India’s independence, Pakistan was formed in two territories, east and west Pakistan. 
  • The Bengalis in the east were highly discriminated and their Bengali language wasn’t accepted. 
  • There were economic disparities between the two regions, and the power helmed by west Pakistan had created tensions.
  • In 1970, the Awami League-led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won the elections wherein the Pakistan People’s Party neglected to hand over the power. 
    • Later in mid-1971, Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan. As violence started erupting, many refugees began entering India.
• The 1971 Indo-Pak War began with Pakistan launching pre-emptive airstrikes against 11 Indian airbases on 03 December 1971. 
  • In retaliation to this attack, former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the Indian army to launch a war against Pakistan, which India won after fighting for 13 days, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh.
  • This day is also observed as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ in Bangladesh.

Source: PIB