“I am ready to join the fight against Pakistan if called by the government,” asserts 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War Veteran from Barak Valley

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, a war-like situation looms over the border. Although not the first time the two nations have faced off, with past conflicts like the Kargil War and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the current scenario has drawn attention nationwide.

The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a defining chapter in history, leading to the birth of Bangladesh. Among the many Indian soldiers who fought bravely, one was R.K. Biren Sana, a retired Indian Army soldier from Jarailtola village in the Borkhola Constituency of Cachar, Assam. Sana dedicated 28 years to the Indian Army, playing a vital role in the liberation of Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan.

Deployed to Sylhet, Sana and his fellow Indian soldiers fought alongside the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi liberation forces, against Pakistani troops. Recalling the conflict, he told Barak Bulletin, “The Pakistani soldiers were young, morally depressed, untrained, and college students who were sent to East Pakistan to fight and were promised guaranteed government jobs if they did so.”

Sana highlighted the stark contrast between the Indian and Pakistani armies, both then and now. He noted that while the Indian Army is now equipped with high-tech weapons, state-of-the-art equipment, and advanced training, the Pakistani Army continues to exhibit behaviour he described as targeting civilians deliberately.

“It’s their narrow mentality and poor character. They have always been like that, attacking civilians, women, and children. Nothing has changed. This is where we see the clear difference between India and Pakistan,” he said.

Despite his retirement, Sana’s patriotism remains unwavering. When asked about the current situation, he expressed his readiness to serve once more: “If they call me today to join, I am ready to go and fight even now.”

However, Sana also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, given that both India and Pakistan are now nuclear-armed nations. He advised caution, saying, “Generally, it is better to avoid a full-blown war, especially when both nations carry such a disastrous weapon capable of eliminating all life and harming nature.”

Sana remained hopeful that the present escalation would not spiral into a full-scale conflict. He remarked that Pakistan is aware of India’s military strength but maintains an aggressive posture for domestic propaganda. “Pakistani army knows the strength of Indian army, and yet they are showing confidence by giving nonsensical statements against India. Statements like they will end India, or take over India and so on. But the fact is Pakistan’s strength is nothing infront of Indian Army.”

Finally, he stressed the importance of media responsibility, urging citizens not to believe unverified reports. “People can help the Indian Army by keeping their faith in them and following government orders. There’s no need for panic,” Sana advised.

As border tensions continue, voices like that of R.K. Biren Sana remind citizens of both the gravity of war and the courage of those who stand ready to defend the nation.