Question

Describe any three important events just before and after the India-Pakistan war in 1971.

Hint:

Cover the crisis in East Pakistan and refugees, the Indo-Soviet treaty, and the surrender and Shimla Agreement.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the question:
The war of December 1971 between India and Pakistan led to the birth of Bangladesh.
Three events, from before and after the war, have to be described with 2 marks each.

Step 2: Event 1: Crisis in East Pakistan and refugees:
In the 1970 elections the Awami League of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won a clear majority in East Pakistan, but the rulers of West Pakistan did not hand over power.
In March 1971 the Pakistan army began a crackdown. Nearly 80 lakh people came to India as refugees and India had to support them.

Step 3: Event 2: Indo-Soviet Treaty and the war:
In August 1971 India signed a 20-year Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation with the Soviet Union.
India helped the Mukti Bahini, and after Pakistan air attacks in December 1971 the war began.

Step 4: Event 3: Surrender and Shimla Agreement:
On 16 December 1971 the Pakistan army surrendered in Dhaka and Bangladesh came into existence. India declared a unilateral ceasefire.
In 1972 Indira Gandhi and Z. A. Bhutto signed the Shimla Agreement to restore peace.

Final Answer:
The refugee crisis after the 1970 elections, the Indo-Soviet Treaty, and the surrender in Dhaka with the Shimla Agreement are three major events linked with the 1971 war.