SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the birth of Bangladesh, India had the legal right to claim significant war reparations from Pakistan. However, recent revelations have shed light on a rare list of unclaimed reparations amounting to an astonishing sum of Rs 543,51,14,294-90. These funds, which were to be claimed from Pakistan, remain unclaimed to this day, despite the victorious outcome for India in the conflict.
The detailed breakdown of these reparations, compiled shortly after the war, reveals the extensive financial toll and human cost incurred during the conflict. Among the notable items listed are the estimated value of casualties suffered by the Indian Army, the expenditure on troop movement and logistics, and the costs associated with the Indian Air Force and Navy’s involvement in the hostilities.
The staggering sum also includes expenses related to the maintenance of refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), as well as compensation paid for damages to crops and civilian property in border states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. Additionally, significant amounts were allocated for relief and rehabilitation assistance to uprooted Indian nationals across various states, including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, and West Bengal.
Furthermore, the list outlines compensation paid by state governments to civilians and armed forces personnel, as well as expenses related to the pull-back of troops from Bangladesh, fuel procurement, civilian vehicle requisitioning, and the maintenance of Prisoners of War (PoWs).
Despite the meticulous documentation of these reparations, it is perplexing that they have remained unclaimed for over five decades. The reasons for this oversight are unclear, but it raises questions about the mechanisms for claiming war reparations and the accountability of government agencies responsible for pursuing such claims.
As India few years back commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war and celebrates its victory, it is essential to revisit this forgotten chapter in history and address the unresolved issue of unclaimed war reparations. The funds earmarked for compensation and restitution should be utilized to support the welfare and rehabilitation of those affected by the conflict, ensuring that the sacrifices made during the war are duly recognized and honored.
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