“The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten”
~Calvin Coolidge
30th U.S. President
Exactly fifty years ago, on 16th December 1971, the Pakistani army called for a cease fire thus ending the thirteen days long war between India and Pakistan that lead to more than 12,000 casualties and north of 37,000 wounded soldiers on both sides. The war also took a toll on the soldiers who survived with many suffering from both physical and psychological wounds.
The combat started during the Liberation War in Bangladesh when Pakistani forces attacked Indian Air-Force Bases at Srinagar, Amritsar and Pathankot on 3rd December 1971 at 2350 hrs. The war concluded with India capturing about 93,000 Pakistani soldiers whereas Pakistan captured over 2238 Indian soldiers out of which at least 54 soldiers never returned home (source: The Patrika). Out of these 54, there were 30 Army personnel, 24 Airforce pilots, 1 Naval Pilot and 1 BSF personnel. However, this list is considered incomplete as there are some soldiers in Pakistani jails whose names were not added the official list. “The missing 54” are often forgotten about by the masses during the “Vijay Diwas” celebrations in India which marks the end of one of the shortest wars in history.
In an interview Dr. Amarjit Singh Bajwa [Son of Lance Naik Hazoor Singh Bajwa (BSF personnel captured during the war)] said “I was only ten years old when my father was declared Missing in Action. Like any other ten years old boy, I was confused, sad and surreal.” Furthermore, he added “If only the government had focused more on bringing them (the POW’s) back rather than on politics, I wouldn’t have lost my father at such a young age.” Dr. Bajwa now lives on memories of his childhood and hopes to find out the truth about his father.
Even though the entire world has forgotten the contribution of these brave soldiers, their families are still hopeful to get some answers. Some family members hope to see their loved ones again whereas others just want some closure. For instance, Mrs. Damayanti Tambay [wife of Flight Lieutenant Vijay Vasant Tambay (Captured Air Force Pilot) is still counting on her husband to return home. According to a Times Of India article, Mrs. Tambay has visited various politicians, bureaucrats and high-ranking officials over the years but to her dismay has returned empty handed on multiple occasions.
The government should recognize the supreme sacrifice made by these brave hearts and their families and work hand in hand with the defense establishments to mediate and uncover the fate of these soldiers. Although the nation mourns with the families, their sacrifices and families need more from us. 2021 marks 50 years of the imprisonment. The Government of India should commemorate them by building a memorial in their honor and thereby providing a platform for Indian citizens to pay homage and pray for the return of these patriots. Lest We Forget.
“Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.”
~Elie Wiesel (Romanian-American Writer)
