Indira Gandhi 'mishandled' post-Bangladesh situation: Himanta Sarma
text_fields
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a sharp critique of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accusing her of mishandling the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. According to Sarma, India’s military triumph was not translated into long-term strategic or diplomatic gains, resulting in what he called a "historic opportunity lost."
In a detailed post on X titled "The Myth of Bangladesh’s Creation: A Strategic Triumph, A Diplomatic Folly," Sarma argued that while India’s armed forces secured a decisive battlefield victory, the political leadership failed to build a lasting regional order.
"India’s 1971 military victory was decisive and historic. It broke Pakistan in two and gave birth to Bangladesh. But while our soldiers delivered a stunning battlefield success, India’s political leadership failed to secure lasting strategic gains," he wrote.
Sarma’s remarks follow criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Congress leaders after US President Donald Trump claimed that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire, allegedly after US mediation. Opposition leaders have drawn comparisons between Modi and Indira Gandhi’s leadership during the 1971 conflict.
Sarma contended that the creation of Bangladesh, often praised as a diplomatic achievement, was in fact a missed strategic opportunity. "India’s military triumph in 1971 was not matched by strategic foresight. What could have been a new regional order was reduced to a one-sided act of generosity. Had Mrs. Indira Gandhi been alive today, the nation would have questioned her for mishandling the decisive victory won by our armed forces. The creation of Bangladesh was not a bargain — it was a historic opportunity lost," he stated.
Backing his claims with six points, Sarma alleged that India’s secular vision for Bangladesh had failed. He pointed out that although Bangladesh was initially founded as a secular nation, by 1988, Islam had been declared its state religion. "India supported a secular Bangladesh. Yet by 1988, Islam was declared the state religion. Today, political Islam thrives in Dhaka, undermining the very values India fought to protect."
He further highlighted the decline of the Hindu population in Bangladesh, noting it had fallen from 20 per cent to under 8 per cent due to "systematic discrimination and violence." He accused successive Indian governments of ignoring this "shameful reality."
On the strategic front, Sarma said India had failed to address key geographical vulnerabilities. "The Chicken’s Neck Left Exposed... Despite military dominance, India failed to resolve the vulnerability of the Siliguri Corridor. A secure land corridor through northern Bangladesh could have integrated the Northeast — but no such arrangement was ever pursued."
He also criticised the lack of a formal agreement for the return of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. "As a result, Assam, Bengal, and the Northeast face unchecked demographic change, sparking social unrest and political instability," Sarma claimed.
Another missed opportunity, according to the Chief Minister, was the failure to secure access to the Chittagong Port. "Even after five decades, the Northeast remains landlocked," he wrote.
Sarma concluded his post by alleging that Bangladesh became a safe haven for insurgent groups. "For several decades, the neighbouring country served as a base for anti-India militant groups and exploited the vacuum India failed to close in 1971.”
He ended with a stark remark: "Conclusion: A Victory Undone by Silence."
With PTI inputs
