Today also, I am going back into history, and briefing you all about war with Pakistan in 1965, and its aftermath affect which resulted in Tashkent agreement.
War with Pakistan– The war was fought over Kashmir and started without the formal declaration of War, It began some time in first half of Aug 1965 and ended with ceasefire on 22nd Sept 1965.
War was started by Pakistan , as they thought Indian Army after suffering defeat by China in 1962, may not be fully equipped for war. Pakistan Govt was becoming anxious by India’s increase efforts to integrate Kashmir with India. There was widespread perception in Pakistan there is support for Pakistan in valley and Kasmiris were not happy with Indian rule.
Although Pak President Ayub Khan was not in favour of war with India, but his cabinet colleagues led by ZA Bhutto and the Army Generals insisted to infiltrate the ceasefire line in Kashmir. They thought that India will not cross international border.
On 5th Aug 1965 thousands of Pak soldiers crossed the LOC, dressed as Kashmiri locals and they headed towards various locations in Kashmir. Local people tipped Indian Army, and they came into operation on 15th Aug 1965.
The initial battles between India and Pakistan were fought within Kashmir involving both infantry and armour units with both Indian & Pakistani air force playing major roles. When in early Sept. Pakistani forces attacked Ackhnur that the Indians escalated the conflict by attacking targets within Pakistan itself, forcing the Pakistani forces to disengage from Ackhnur to counter Indian attacks.
The largest battle was fought in Sialkot sector, where some 400 to 600 army tanks were deployed by both armies and it is really not clear who won in the end in that area.
On 22nd Sept, both sides agreed for UN mandated cease fire ending the war.
Most of the political observers said that India won the war, but few stated that it was inconclusive. Pakistani losses were very heavy, they lost about 20 aircrafts, more than 200 tanks, 4000 soldiers. Pakistan understood that continuation of war will lead to more losses and total domination of India.
Pakistani were thinking that they will get the support from USA, but USA put largely the blame of war as Pakistan’s fault, not only refused to come to Pakistan’s aid as per the terms of Agreement of Cooperation, but stated that they will be neutral and cut off military supplies to Pakistan.
China, Indonesia and Iran gave political support to Pakistan in the war. Most upsetting for India was attitude of Soviet Union, who adopted neutral position, and ultimately provided the meeting ground for heads of both the countries in Tashkent in Jan 1966, that led to Tashkent declaration that restored the status quo.
Tashkent Agreement—The meeting between head of states of India and Pakistan was arranged by PM of USSR in Tashkent to resolve the matter arising out of the war in the earlier year 1965. The main gist of the agreement was as follows
- Both sides agreed to maintain good neighbourly relations as per UN Charter.
- Both sides will withdraw their troops by 25th Feb 1966, to position held before 5th Aug 1965, and will observe cease fire terms on the cease fire line.
- Both side agreed that they will maintain relation between themselves on the basis of principle of non interference in each others internal affairs.
- Both side agreed that they will discourage any propaganda directed against the other country, and will encourage propaganda which promotes the development of friendly relations between the two countries.
- Both side agreed that their High Commissioners in each other countries will resume their office, and normal relation between both countries will be restored.
- Both side agreed that they will start the process of restoration of Economic, Culture, trade and communications, Cultural exchanges, so as to normalise the ties.
- Both side agreed that they will give the instructions to their authorities to start the process of repatriation of Prisoners of War.
- Both side agreed that the sides will continue the discussion of questions relating to the problems of refugees and evictions/illegal immigrations. They also agreed that both sides will create conditions which will prevent the exodus of people. They further agreed to discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict.
- Both side have agreed that the sides will continue meetings both at the highest and at other levels on matters of direct concern to both countries. Both sides have recognized the need to set up joint Indian-Pakistani bodies which will report to their Governments in order to decide what further steps should be taken.
This agreement was signed by PM of India Lalbahadur Shastri and President of Pakistan Gen Ayub Khan.
Mysteriously Lalbahadur died due to suspected severe heart attack in the same night after signing the agreement. His death till today remain a mystery.
Indian people in general were not happy with the agreement, as everybody felt after winning the war we did not use any leverage to get back the area of Kashmir occupied by Pakistan. But due the sad demise of Lalbahadur Shastri this issue never flared up.
Many of you, who are reading this may not have been born at that time, that is the main reason of mine, for writing about this event of modern India’s history.
Waiting for your view/feed backs/ comments on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
6th Sep, 2018.
R. N. Mungale.
I remember 1965 war with Pakistan as at that time I was in Esso in Delhi & was responsible for maintaining adequate stocks of Petroleum products at all depots especially in border areas. We used to meet everyday in Petroleum Ministry.