46 years ago, on 16th December 1971, a 16 year old Nazma Begam [1] woke up to some commotion outside her barrack, early in the morning. Bef...
Before she could collect all her consciousness, a tall man in military uniform entered - flashed a torchlight around - checked the cell - counted the number of women - and signalled everyone to walk out.
Nazma was a bit surprised - usually they never allowed anyone to leave the barracks during the day - Her body, which was still in pain owing to the 8 rapes she endured last night, protested - but the mind obliged.
Outside - there were more surprises in store.
Outside, there was a team of doctors and nurses - wearing a very strange thing, that she’d almost forgotten about, in these last few weeks and months - a caring smile.
Someone gave her a packet of juice - a lady gave her a hug along with a shawl - She saw an Indian flag atop a truck - she heard someone say in broken Bengali - Aapnara Abhi Azaad - Pakistan army log yahan se bhaage Geche. (Substandard Translation: You all are free now - The Pakistani Army men have run away).
Nazma took a sip of the juice, half thinking, that it was urine[2]as usual - she was wrong.
She even thought that she was dead and this was heaven - but no - she was wrong again.
Months after her family was brutally murdered by the Razakars[3]
After she was brought to this Pakistan Army Rape Camp[4][5][6][7][8][9]
After countless nights of violation, abuse and torture[10].
After days spent half hoping, not to see tomorrow.
Finally, she was free, just like her new nation.
The 13 day[11], India Pakistan war of 1971, is remembered as the 9 month long war[12]of Independence or Mukti Juddho[13]in Bangladesh[14].
A war which among other things, saw the torture and rape of an estimated 400,000[15][16] [17]girls and women like Nazma.
Most of these girls were never accepted by their family members and had to give away their children, born of rape, to adoption homes - having to live in dishonor and ignominy for the rest of their lives.
In 2002, as a token of gratitude, the Government of Bangladesh awarded 20,000 Takas to a few Women freedom fighters, which included Nazma Begam[18], seen here in the centre.
Pakistan instituted a war inquiry commission under the chairmanship of Justice Hamoodur Rahman[19], 10 days after the shameful surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers[20].
The findings were never released to the public officially[21].
Not a single Pakistani soldier or officer was prosecuted[22].
What is the significance of India-Pak war of 1971 you ask?
It was the moment when thousands like Nazma Begam started living.
It was a war, post which, a majority of Pakistanis[23],
dumped the Two Nations’ Theory,
and decided to rename their country
as Bangladesh.
Thank you for reading.
Cheers and peace.
Footnotes
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