'Creation Of Bangladesh Justified?: Himanta Hits Out At Indira Gandhi Govt Over 1971 Decision

Last Updated:June 09, 2025, 20:01 IST

While Himanta Biswa Sarma said Indira Gandhi deserves credit for India's 1971 victory over Pakistan, he raised doubts on whether the creation of Bangladesh was justified.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (PTI Photo)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday criticised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government in 1971 for “squandering the opportunity" to reclaim occupied Indian territories, after the Indian Armed Forces “crushed" the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War, and not dealing with illegal immigration.

Speaking in the Assam Assembly, Sarma said, “In 1971, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India won the war. The Indian Army achieved victory, and Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister, she rightly deserves credit."

“However, after the victory, 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war (POWs) captured by India were returned to Pakistan, but we could not secure even nine POWs from Pakistan."

He further said, “Yes, we won the war but what exactly did we achieve. We created Bangladesh. But are we satisfied with that decision today? It’s worth asking in 2025: Was the creation of Bangladesh the right move?"

He said Indira Gandhi could have at least demanded the return of all illegal migrants in exchange for supporting the creation of Bangladesh. “Though Indian Forces crushed the Pakistani Army in 1971, the Govt of the day could not secure Indian interests and squandered the opportunity to reclaim back occupied Indian territories," he said.

What Happened In 1971?

The 1971 war broke out after widespread human rights violations by the Pakistani Army and a massive refugee crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Millions of refugees crossed into West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.

India initially provided humanitarian aid and extended support to the Bengali resistance force, the Mukti Bahini. After Pakistan launched pre-emptive strikes on Indian airbases, India declared a full-scale war and engaged Pakistani forces across land, air and sea.

In collaboration with the Mukti Bahini, India defeated Pakistani forces in just 13 days, capturing 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and leading to the creation of Bangladesh. India and Pakistan signed the Simla Agreement in 1972, with both sides agreeing to resolve issues peacefully.

India agreed to repatriate Pakistani soldiers in exchange for Pakistan’s formal recognition of Bangladesh. However, this move has been criticised by several political leaders, who said India missed an opportunity to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir without getting adequate concessions.

Assam, India, India

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