16 December 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 a new country Bangladesh. India-Pakistan war was started on 3rd December,1971 and lasted for 13 days after which, Pakistan surrendered to India and Bangladesh as a new nation emerged . The Indian Armed forces and Mukti Bahini fought in heroic way during the 1971 war. Due to atrocities, rape, violence and language movement rose tensions which leads to political demands for autonomy grew stronger in East Pakistan. The Pakistani government’s crackdown on dissent in March 1971 further fueled the demand for independence. Due to widespread atrocities committed during the military campaign operation searchlight there was a huge influx of refugees into India’s neighbor.
In April 1971, members of the East Pakistani military and civilians formed Mukti Bahini . On May 1,1971, General SHFJ Manekshaw issued the Indian Army operational instruction no.52. With support from India, Mukti Bahini fighters crossed into Indian territory to organize and regroup for a joint effort against the Pakistani forces.
India gave Mukti Bahini training ,housing and logistical support because it was sympathetic to the plight of Bengali people. They were trained in the Indian Army’s operation jackpot sectors’ training camps located close to their native place. Such training camps in India are Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura and West Bengal. Mukti Bahini were trained for four to six weeks at Indian Army’s Operation jackpot training camps . After getting basic training in arms handling, mortars and explosive they were sent for advanced leadership run under the command of the c-in-c Bangladesh. A total of 25 youth camps were established to train them. The collaboration was essential for planning military strategies, gathering intelligence and coordinating efforts to counter Pakistani aggression. Arrival of Mukti Bahini in India signaled a turning point in the fight for Bangladesh’s independence, illustrating the importance of international support in achieving self-determination during a tumultuous period in South Asian history.