Military Operations in Dacca: Key Questions

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Questions and Answers

What types of actions were described as excessive during the military operation in Dacca?

Distribution of aid to affected areas

Recruiting local militias for protection

Unjustified killings and arson (correct)

Use of artillery against civilians

Which group of individuals was specifically targeted for killing during the military actions?

Foreign diplomats and advisors

Local politicians and activists

Teachers and students

Intellectuals and professionals (correct)

What change occurred in military conduct after the replacement of General Tikka Khan?

Greater adherence to human rights

A rise in reported instances of excesses (correct)

Increased discipline among the troops

Enhanced cooperation with local civilians

What justification did General Tikka Khan give for military intervention?

To restore law and order Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts was NOT mentioned as an excess committed during the military operation?

Seizing control of local businesses Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the alleged military excesses?

A tarnished reputation for the Pakistani Army Signup and view all the answers

What specific action was taken against Bengali officers during the disarming process?

Execution for rebellion Signup and view all the answers

How did the media's portrayal of the army's actions influence public perception?

It made the army appear as an oppressive occupation force Signup and view all the answers

What type of government was outlined in the draft Constitution prepared during the turmoil in East Pakistan?

Presidential Signup and view all the answers

How many members were to be in the Senate according to the draft Constitution?

15 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT included in the allocation of seats in the National Assembly?

Reserved seats for foreign nationals Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Senate as per the draft Constitution?

It was a permanent House Signup and view all the answers

Which political principle was mandated for political parties in the draft Constitution?

Commitment to democratic principles within their organizations Signup and view all the answers

How many total seats were allocated to the National Assembly?

313 Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the joint sitting of the two Houses as specified in the draft Constitution?

To resolve legislative differences Signup and view all the answers

What restriction was placed on political parties in the proposed draft Constitution?

They must not oppose the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Who signed the instrument of surrender on 16 December?

General Niazi Signup and view all the answers

What did the United States propose during the emergency session on 4 December?

Cease-fire and posting UN observers Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the USSR's draft resolution regarding political settlement in East Pakistan?

Vetoed by China Signup and view all the answers

Which country initiated a request for an emergency session of the Security Council on 4 December?

Argentina Signup and view all the answers

What did Bhutto advise Pakistan regarding approaching the United Nations?

Not to approach the Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of not accepting the USSR's proposed resolution?

Continued hostilities and Pakistan's humiliation Signup and view all the answers

Which country vetoed the United States' draft resolution in the Security Council?

China Signup and view all the answers

What did the other twelve members of the Security Council do in response to the USSR's resolution?

Abstained from voting Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the evacuation of many middle and upper-class families from the city?

Fear of military action Signup and view all the answers

How many deaths did army officers claim occurred in the university area?

Around a hundred Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Iqbal Hall and Jagannath Hall during the military action?

They were completely destroyed Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the military operation in relation to the Awami League leadership?

Most fled to India and formed a government in exile Signup and view all the answers

What type of locations were Iqbal Hall and Jagannath Hall described as being turned into?

Arsenals and strong-points Signup and view all the answers

What was Mujib's fate after his arrest?

He was taken to Karachi for imprisonment. Signup and view all the answers

How did the foreign press differ in reporting the death toll compared to army claims?

They reported higher figures than the army. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the army towards civilians during the military operation?

They only targeted armed resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What was Yahya's stance on the formation of a Constitution by an assembly?

He declared it was not feasible. Signup and view all the answers

What did Yahya propose regarding political parties in the context of his new Constitution?

To prioritize national parties and ban non-national ones. Signup and view all the answers

What was required for the proposed amendments to the Constitution after submission to the National Assembly?

Yahya's assent. Signup and view all the answers

What was the timeline for the National Assembly to propose amendments to the draft Constitution?

Ninety days after receiving it. Signup and view all the answers

Which individuals were noted as having their seats declared vacant during Yahya's announcements?

Mujib and Dr. Kamal Hossain. Signup and view all the answers

What was Yahya's perspective on the election of representatives in East Pakistan?

He planned for by-elections to fill vacant seats. Signup and view all the answers

When were the by-elections scheduled to take place in East Pakistan?

From 25 November to 9 December 1971. Signup and view all the answers

What did Yahya believe the miniature general election would provide for the National Assembly?

An opportunity to create a National Assembly that aligns with his policies. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the immediate tasks Yahya needed to address after the military action?

Win back the confidence of East Pakistan Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect was not part of Yahya's tasks post-military action?

Establishing a democratic government Signup and view all the answers

What did Yahya's belief about the Awami League imply?

The Awami League and India had aligned against Pakistan Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the military operations pose to Yahya's reconciliation efforts?

They incited further disaffection among the populace Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding Mujib is accurate?

Mujib stood trial in secret for treason Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the military action taken on March 25 and 26?

A rise in the number of displaced persons Signup and view all the answers

What did some observers think about the military coup?

It was seen as unwise and a failure Signup and view all the answers

How did Yahya perceive the possibilities of reconciliation?

He thought it could be accomplished despite challenges Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Birth of Bangladesh

On the evening of March 25, 1971, Mujibur Rahman declared East Pakistan independent, naming it Bangladesh.
This declaration was a pre-recorded message.
The message urged Bangladeshi people to resist the Pakistan army until all soldiers were expelled.
Pakistan's military action in East Pakistan began on March 25, 1971, after political negotiations failed.
Political activity was banned, and the Awami League was outlawed.
Censorship was imposed on the press.
The military action aimed to suppress the Awami League's rebellion, taking control in Dhaka, the rebellion's headquarters.
Barricades were erected to isolate the cantonment forces, but easily cleared by troops.
The East Bengal Regiment and the police offered the most significant resistance, but were systematically subdued.
Civilian casualties resulted from crossfire.
Many middle and upper-class families fled Dhaka to avoid violence, and college/university students also left, partly due to approaching vacations and the institutions' closure.
Important structures like Iqbal Hall and Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University were targeted and heavily damaged by the military during the operation.
Mass graves were reported in the university area, with the foreign press reporting thousands of deaths, while army officials stated around a hundred.
Mujibur Rahman, was arrested early on March 26th.
Many Awami League leaders escaped to India.
Mujib was first kept at Adamjee School, then moved to Flag Staff House, before being flown to Karachi three days later.

Military Actions

Yahya ordered military action to suppress the Awami League revolt, banning political activity and the Awami League party.
Political activity prohibited
Censorship was imposed on the press.
Yahya assured the transfer of power to elected representatives once the situation permitted.
Military action, focusing on removing barricades and clearing snipers' nests, resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The army avoided targeting civilians directly.
The military action affected Dhaka University facilities, causing significant damage.
The foreign press alleged thousands of deaths in the university area, while army officers put the number around a hundred.

Reactions in West Pakistan

Political parties in West Pakistan mostly supported the military action.
The press in West Pakistan often supported the government's actions.
There were belligerent statements regarding India and other foreign powers.
Some agitators promoted anti-India sentiment.
A small minority of politicians and journalists opposed the military action in East Pakistan.
Public statements opposing the operation, and a public meeting against military actions at the premises of a former air force chief's and a former Punjab governor's premises, were organized but had limited support.

Attempts at Reconciliation

Yahya aimed to regain East Pakistan's trust, rebuild constitutional belief, curb Indian propaganda, and revive the damaged economy to reconcile the two wings.
The doctrine that the Awami League and India were in collusion was stated.
The idea that East Pakistan still desired unity—despite issues—supported preemptive action.
Criticism, of the military action as unwise and its impact on the union of Pakistan, was voiced.

International Responses

India's refugee support and the formation of the Mukti Bahini (rebel group) were key factors.
Protests and criticism of the military action in East Pakistan increased internationally.
The Indian government exerted diplomatic pressure on Islamabad for a political solution.
Despite attempts, Pakistan resisted international intervention, maintaining sovereignty.
Countries like China supported Pakistan's claims.
India undermined Pakistan's position by exploiting refugees, using propaganda against Pakistan.

Indo-Pak War and the Fall of Dhaka

India's attack on the Eastern front began in November 1971, spreading to the West in December.
The United Nations attempted several cease-fire resolutions.
The USSR repeatedly vetoed these resolutions.
Despite attempts at a cease-fire by the UN, Pakistan saw the war widen.
The Pakistani Army's morale and resources were strained.
Major-General Niazi signed a surrender document to the Indian Army on December 16, 1971, when Dhaka fell to the Indians.

The Draft Constitution

The draft constitution created a presidential system of governance.
The 1962 constitution was re-imagined.
A bicameral legislature (Senate and National Assembly) was envisioned.
Provisions were established regarding joint parliamentary sittings, the composition of the Parliament and election procedures.
The draft constitution, while designed, was never fully implemented, but did impact future Pakistan constitutions.

Role of the United Nations

Several attempts were made in the United Nations to end the war.
Resolutions for cease-fires and troop withdrawals were proposed.
The USSR blocked several resolutions.
The UN ultimately played a limited role in resolving the conflict, mainly due to superpower politics.

Break-up of Pakistan (Constitutional Analysis)

Initial struggles between East and West Pakistan arose from disparate cultural, linguistic, and economic conditions.
Issues of national language, representation, and provincial autonomy fueled division.
The language issue (Urdu v Bengali) was a significant point of contention.
Regional differences in linguistic understanding, land ownership, and population density caused considerable division.
The demand for provincial autonomy was seen as undermining the strong central Pakistani government.

The Language Issue

Jinnah's 1948 declaration of Urdu as Pakistan's national language sparked widespread protests in East Pakistan.
Agitation for Bengali as a national language continued.
The Constituent Assembly later accommodated both languages.
The language issue amplified feelings of alienation and mistrust between East and West Pakistan.
The issue was perceived as an attempt by East Pakistani Hindus to challenge Pakistan.

The Objectives Resolution

The 1949 Objectives Resolution, introduced by Liaquat Ali Khan, emphasized a religious and theocratic Pakistan.
The resolution faced severe opposition from East Pakistani non-Muslim members.
Disagreements over the resolution intensified political estrangements, reinforced West Pakistan suspicions that East Pakistan was influenced by religious opposition.

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Test your knowledge on the military operations in Dacca, focusing on actions described as excessive, targeted individuals, and changes in military conduct. Explore the implications of General Tikka Khan's leadership and the political landscape during this tumultuous period in East Pakistan.