To forget or to learn from 1971

Contributing Editor Vice Adm (Retd) IQBAL F QUADIR examines 1971 as a lesson to be learnt or forgotten.

The Chief Executive General Musharraf, in response to an ‘on the spur of the moment’ comment by the Bangladesh Prime Minister in America, has asked the people of Pakistan and others outside to forget the events of 1971. A noble thought and in accordance with guidance provided in the Quran that recommends forgiveness as superior to revenge but, which does not bar a pay back except beyond the level of original injury. However, the question here is who should decide to (forgive) and forget - the perpetuator or the victim? Surely, the privilege appropriately cannot belong to both. What I understand from the Quran is straightforward and clear. It would be good if the victim voluntarily forgives and forgets, that is best for his/her (the victim’s) own good too, and that he/she will be well rewarded for it. There is no latitude for the perpetuator to demand, claim or advise the same of the victim. The former can only seek an exculpation.

As for the totally unexpected behaviour of Bangladesh Prime Minister, it is not for me to comment on actions of the head of another country’s government, except that she could today have been the daughter of a brother Pakistani had not Satan taken charge of the military rulers and political leaders of the country during 1970 and the people of West Pakistan stood as mere by-standers. Admittedly, the trouble was brewing ever since 1953 when the Governor General took the first unconstitutional step of dismissing a government enjoying the confidence of the parliament but events of 1970-71 over-shadowed everything of the past. Further, I am sure, had General Musharraf witnessed the events of 1971 as an older person, his reply to the young Ms Hasina may not have been in such haste. It is now for the diplomats of the two countries to quickly patch up this new fissure before others succeed in widening it.

It is suggested further that a step such as recommended by the CE, if accepted, could set a new precedent in inter-state relationship. India, for instance, would immediately ask Pakistan to forget what that country had done in Junagadh, Munavadar, Mongrol, Kashmir and East Pakistan? What about the poor and innocent population of Indian Occupied Kashmir. Should they also forget the most dastardly and unspeakable atrocities Indian Armed Forces are to this day committing on them in their once peaceful valley? A heaven which now has become their virtual prison. Is that easily possible?

It is pertinent also to remember that the Indian Hindus have not yet forgotten the eight centuries of Central Asian rule of Northern India. They now blame Pakistan and the Muslims of India for it. What was the reaction of secular India to the events of 1971? When the Lieutenant General commanding military units in Dhaka almost proudly presented himself to be stripped of his rank in public and a senior officer of another service there requested a meeting with his Indian counterpart what was India’s reaction? The Indian’s inner feelings towards the Muslims of South and Central Asia then rang out loud and clear. Even Mrs Gandhi is reported to have proclaimed that history has been avenged. What history was she talking of but the eight centuries of Central Asian Muslim rule? Should the Muslims of the world forget too, that the mentors of the political party that rules India today led the brick by brick destruction of the centuries old Babri Masjid in Ayodhia? Has that country, but for a few Indians, shown any remorse for this wantonness? However, despite India’s totally callous behaviour arising from a false sense of power, it does not mean Pakistan should not find a via media to live peacefully with that country as neighbours.

Within Pakistan, there are many aspects of the events of 1971, which if they had been purposefully enquired into and acted upon in time, could have proved highly beneficial to the country. Even the Hamood ur Rehman Commission Report with all its weaknesses could have given the country a direction to adopt and a constant reminder to future generations of pitfalls to avoid. However, this was not to be and the political and military leaders jointly decided in 1973/74, first not to publish the Report and then later someone decided to destroy all copies of the Report as well as papers of the Commission. This was literally a crime committed on the nation, as in end, after suffering so much nothing was learnt either by the politicians, the military or the country as a whole. Consequently, in a manner of speaking, looking over the past quarter century Pakistan has moved backward relative to the rest of the world. However, it is never too late either to learn or to catch up. But it requires the strength of character and the will to act, no matter how difficult or odious the task. Running away from reality or putting it under the carpet would only postpone the day when reality is bound to stare starkly in our faces again.

Whether needed enquiries and the following clean-up should be carried out discreetly or in public is for the country and its people to decide. Most nations prefer to proceed in an atmosphere free of emotions but act on the findings with alacrity. However, the important thing is that without an enquiry nothing would be learnt. India has already held an enquiry on their Kargil debacle by a group of eminent civilians. That country is currently acting on the enquiry’s findings and recommendations. On the other hand, Pakistan having lost all copies of Hamood ur Rehman Commission Report the successive governments and service headquarters are none the wiser for its findings, good or bad, and recommendations made thereon. The country has consequently suffered constantly.

An enquiry on performance of the Indian Army during 1965 has recently become public knowledge and a lot of myths created in Indian minds at that time have been shattered. But, the creation of myths has been a long time speciality of Northern are