The Hidden Story of Hindu Massacre and Media Silence

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

ONE OF[ THE MOST] TERRIBLE HUMANITARIAN CRISES OF THE HUMAN HISTORY.

The 1947 Exodus: Tragedy, Sacrifice, and Heroism”

In 1947, one of the largest exodus in human history took place, marked by the massacre of Hindus and Sikhs, forced conversions, and the rape of countless women. Amidst this horror, there are also stories of women’s incredible bravery, sacrifice, and courage.

The Statesman newspaper on April 15, 1947, reported an event from the village of Thoha Khalsa in Rawalpindi District.

The Muslim League’s attack on Hindus and Sikhs in Punjab in 1947 was ruthless. The Hindu and Sikh residents of the small village were attacked by a 3000-strong Muslim mob. The villagers, outnumbered and outarmed, were forced to surrender.

But in an act of bravery, 90 women in the village chose to jump into a well to avoid dishonor and save their dignity, following the example of women from ancient India. Tragically, only three women survived, as there was not enough water in the well to drown them all.

1971

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it”

(Famous warning of Santayana)

The 1971 Tragedy: Repeating the Mistakes of 1947″

We seem to have learned nothing from history, as the horrors of 1947 were repeated in 1971, only this time, the scale of violence—Hindu exodus, massacres, and rapes—was even worse.

In the book The Blood Telegram: India’s Secret War in East Pakistan by Gary J. Bass, based on declassified documents and white house tapes, the true extent of the violence in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) is revealed.

The book uncovers that there were written orders to kill Hindus during the conflict. Senior Pakistani officers admitted to the targeting of Hindus in a postwar inquiry.

One of the chilling testimonies from the Hamoodur Rehman Commission reports that senior Pakistani officers, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of General Staff (CGS), were seen joking about how many Hindus had been killed.

The order to eliminate Hindus was given in May, with one brigadier confirming it in writing. Though Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi denied issuing the orders, many soldiers and officers confessed to a deep hatred against Bengalis, which led to verbal instructions to target Hindus.

This genocide was downplayed in India due to vote-bank politics. Political parties referred to it as an atrocity against Bengalis, as the term “Bengali” doesn’t distinguish between Hindus and Muslims. Indian media played a part in supporting this propaganda, masking the true extent of the atrocities.

Learning Nothing from History: Pakistan’s Proxy War Against India”

While we failed to learn from history, Pakistan took a lesson from it. Realizing that it couldn’t defeat India in direct war, Pakistan began a proxy war against India.

Pakistan supported the Khalistan movement and continued its efforts in Kashmir, where once again, crowds chanting “Allah O Akbar” carried out massacres, raped women, and forced four lakh Hindus to flee as refugees to their own country.

Terrorism became a daily occurrence, with bomb blasts and countless innocent lives lost. This violence has continued for over forty years. The list of incidents and places involved would take days to mention, as the pain and suffering persist today.

2014

The Modi government, since coming into power in 2014, has taken a firm stance against Islamic terrorism and groups with pro-Pakistan leanings, reflecting a heightened national security agenda. However, it’s equally important to remember the historical context and the legacy of past events.

India has faced numerous incidents involving terrorism, some of which go back decades, that have deeply influenced the national security landscape. The 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the earlier insurgency in Kashmir in the late 80s and early 90s are just a few of the key events that shaped India’s approach to terrorism and counterinsurgency. These incidents and their aftermaths have led to shifts in policy, including military responses, intelligence-sharing, and international diplomacy.

While the Modi government’s policies have been scrutinized for both their successes and failures, it’s essential to understand the complex, ongoing nature of counterterrorism, which requires balancing security measures with respect for civil rights. The focus on certain groups and individuals can sometimes overshadow the broader historical context of past incidents and the long-term struggles that preceded them.

By revisiting these past events, we gain a fuller understanding of the evolution of India’s national security concerns and the ongoing challenges in combating terrorism.