3 Review(s)

The Liberation War of 1971 was a culmination of months of suffering being subjected by Pakistan on their Eastern Wing —Bangladesh. India, on the other hand, was forced to go to war with Pakistan after it carried out air attacks against several Indian Airfields on December 3, 1971. Pakistan’s strategy of ‘The Defence of the East lies in the West’ was badly shaken with India-Bangladesh ferocity. The Liberation War was also first of its kind as it established a strong relationship between India and Bangladesh. I am highly impressed by the number of authors who have shared their experiences of the war. This book is a tribute to the local populace of both India and Bangladesh, as also to the armed forces of both the countries. Written in a lucid language, this book would be of interest to all—military, civilians, academicians and policy makers alike as it gives a vivid account of the war. General NC Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM (Retd) Former Chief of the Army Staff The book gives an excellent account of the synergised operations fought by the Army, Navy and the Air Force in the Eastern and Western sectors during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. In a well calibrated air campaign, while IAF acted as a spearhead in Indian Military’s blitzkrieg in the East; in the West, it stood as a wall to thwart any offensive design of the Pakistan Army to violate India’s territorial integrity. IAF achieved unique distinction by conducting precision strikes against selected targets in both wings of Pakistan. Not only did it destroy the Karachi oil storage tanks and refineries, severely degrading their warfighting capabilities in the West; the bombing of the Governor’s House in Dhaka acted as a psychological blow, resulting in Pak Army’s unconditional surrender in the East. The anecdotes given by the veterans and their families have added immense value to the book. Air Marshal VK Bhatia, PVSM, AVSM, Vr C & Bar (Retd) Former Air Officer Commanding-in Western, South-Western and Central Air Commands