India backs Bangladesh quest for justice over 1971 Genocide atrocities

India has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s pursuit of justice regarding the 1971 genocide, while condemning Pakistan’s continued denial of mass atrocities committed during Operation Searchlight.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during a regular press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, highlighting the systematic violence perpetrated against Bangladeshi civilians more than five decades ago.

“These atrocities shook the conscience of the world at large. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes. We support Bangladesh in its desire for justice,” Jaiswal stated.

The spokesperson detailed the scope of Pakistan’s 1971 military campaign, which involved systematic and targeted killings of millions of innocent Bangladeshi civilians alongside widespread sexual violence against women. The brutality forced millions to flee their homeland, seeking refuge across the border in India.

Jaiswal emphasized that the international community remains aware of the terrible atrocities committed by Pakistani forces during that period, despite Islamabad’s refusal to acknowledge responsibility.

His remarks coincided with Bangladesh’s recent observance of Genocide Day on March 25, marking the anniversary of Operation Searchlight’s launch in 1971. The nationwide commemoration featured a symbolic one-minute blackout, educational programs, documentary screenings, and tributes to martyrs.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman characterized March 25, 1971, as among the most disgraceful and brutal days in freedom-loving Bangladesh’s history.

He described the night as witnessing one of history’s most heinous genocides against unarmed Bangladeshi people.

Tarique detailed how Pakistani occupation forces indiscriminately fired upon teachers, intellectuals, and innocent civilians at multiple locations including Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines, resulting in numerous deaths.

The Prime Minister labeled the March 25 genocide a premeditated massacre.