December 16 in History
1971 - The ceasefire of the Pakistan Army brings an end to the Bangladesh Liberation War and Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a military confrontation between India and Pakistan that occurred during the liberation war in East Pakistan from December 3, 1971 to the fall of Dhaka on December 16, 1971. The war began with pre-emptive aerial strikes on 11 Indian air stations, which led to the commencement of hostilities with Pakistan and Indian entry into the war of independence in East Pakistan on the side of Bengali nationalist forces. Lasting just 13 days, it is one of the shortest wars in history. It ended after the Eastern Command of the Pakistan military signed the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka, marking the formation of East Pakistan as the new nation of Bangladesh. Officially, East Pakistan had earlier called for its secession from the unity of Pakistan on March 26, 1971.
Picture – Lt Gen Niazi signing the Instrument of Surrender under the gaze of Lt Gen Aurora