In a recent recounting of the 1971 Pakistan-India war, retired Major General Mohammad Yasin shared his firsthand experiences, shedding light on the conflict from the perspective of those who fought in it.
Major General Yasin highlighted the increase in violence against pro-Pakistan Bengali civilians and other minorities in East Pakistan, which led to the commencement of military operations on March 26, 1971. He served as a platoon commander during these operations.
As part of the mission, he and his unit reached Chittagong, where rebel forces had taken control, holding civilians hostage. The city, along with the nearby cantonment and naval base, became crucial for Pakistan’s defense.
Yasin also discussed the defensive operations carried out in Dhaka against the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali separatist group, and Indian forces that supported them with weapons. He emphasized that the Pakistan Army never violated human rights and ensured that civilians were not harmed during their operations.
Refuting widespread allegations, Yasin cited Dr. Abdul Momin Chowdhury's book, which disproved the claim of three million deaths and the rape of 600,000 women. He also referred to reports by journalists such as Qutub Din Aziz and Sharmila Bose, who confirmed that the Pakistani Army was not responsible for the alleged atrocities.
Major General Yasin's account serves as an important contribution to understanding the complexities of the 1971 war and the events surrounding it.
