US House(L); refugees fleeing East Pakistan in 1971 (R, AP file photo) US Congressman Greg Landsman has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to recognise the atrocities committed by Pakistani army and its allies, against Bengali Hindus in 1971, as war crimes and genocide.Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, moved the resolution on Friday. It has been referred to the House committee on foreign affairs.In March 1971, Pakistan’s military units, along with radical Islamist groups inspired by the ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami, launched a widespread crackdown across East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) under the codename ‘Operation searchlight’, which involved large-scale killings of civilians, particularly Bengali Hindus.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran vows tit-for-tat strike after Trump’s 48hr ultimatum, threatens to hit US-Israel energy facilityWatch: Missile strike rocks Israel’s ‘Little India’ as Iran attack injures over 40; videos show chaosOver 100 injured in Israel amid Iran’s missile attack; Netanyahu calls it ‘difficult evening in battle for future”Mass murdered Bengali Hindus’The resolution states that the Pakistani Army and its Islamist allies “indiscriminately mass-murdered ethnic Bengalis regardless of their religion and gender, killed their political leaders, intellectuals, professionals, and students, and forced tens of thousands of women to serve as their sex slaves.”It adds, “They specifically targeted the religious minority Hindus for extermination through mass slaughtering, gangrape, conversion, and forcible expulsion.”At the same time, the resolution notes that entire communities should not be held responsible for the actions of individuals. ‘Blood Telegram’The resolution cites a March 28, 1971, telegram sent by United States Consul General in Dacca, Archer Blood, titled ‘Selective genocide’. In the message, he wrote, “Moreover, with the support of Pak military, non-Bengali Muslims are systematically attacking poor people’s quarters and murdering Bengalis and Hindus.”It also mentions the April 6, 1971, communication known as the “Blood Telegram”, in which Blood formally objected to the US government’s silence on the “genocide”.The message, signed by 20 members of the consulate, said, “But we have chosen not to intervene, even morally, on the grounds that the Awami conflict, in which unfortunately the overworked term genocide is applicable, is purely an internal matter of a sovereign state.”Building on these accounts, the resolution urges the House to condemn the actions of the Pakistani armed forces against Bengali Hindu as crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.On the night of March 25, 1971, the government of Pakistan imprisoned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, after he won the general elections. Following the atrocities, India went to war with Pakistan, leading to the Pakistani army’s surrender and the creation of Bangladesh. About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. 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US Congressman Greg Landsman has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to recognise the atrocities committed by Pakistani army and its allies, against Bengali Hindus in 1971, as war crimes and genocide.Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, moved the resolution on Friday. It has been referred to the House committee on foreign affairs.In March 1971, Pakistan’s military units, along with radical Islamist groups inspired by the ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami, launched a widespread crackdown across East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) under the codename ‘Operation searchlight’, which involved large-scale killings of civilians, particularly Bengali Hindus.
‘Mass murdered Bengali Hindus’
The resolution states that the Pakistani Army and its Islamist allies “indiscriminately mass-murdered ethnic Bengalis regardless of their religion and gender, killed their political leaders, intellectuals, professionals, and students, and forced tens of thousands of women to serve as their sex slaves.”It adds, “They specifically targeted the religious minority Hindus for extermination through mass slaughtering, gangrape, conversion, and forcible expulsion.”At the same time, the resolution notes that entire communities should not be held responsible for the actions of individuals.
‘Blood Telegram’
The resolution cites a March 28, 1971, telegram sent by United States Consul General in Dacca, Archer Blood, titled ‘Selective genocide’. In the message, he wrote, “Moreover, with the support of Pak military, non-Bengali Muslims are systematically attacking poor people’s quarters and murdering Bengalis and Hindus.”It also mentions the April 6, 1971, communication known as the “Blood Telegram”, in which Blood formally objected to the US government’s silence on the “genocide”.The message, signed by 20 members of the consulate, said, “But we have chosen not to intervene, even morally, on the grounds that the Awami conflict, in which unfortunately the overworked term genocide is applicable, is purely an internal matter of a sovereign state.”Building on these accounts, the resolution urges the House to condemn the actions of the Pakistani armed forces against Bengali Hindu as crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.On the night of March 25, 1971, the government of Pakistan imprisoned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, after he won the general elections. Following the atrocities, India went to war with Pakistan, leading to the Pakistani army’s surrender and the creation of Bangladesh.
![NIA (Image credit: ANI) As part of an anti-India espionage network, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a Kolkata-based man for allegedly passing confidential security-related information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs).Sharing details of the arrest on X, the official NIA India account said, “A Pak-backed spy, Zafar Riaz @ Rizvi of Kolkata, has been arrested in an espionage racket, in which he was engaged in clandestinely passing confidential security-related information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) as part of an anti-India terror conspiracy.”According to the agency, the accused has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Official Secrets Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].“A Look Out Circular was issued against him and proceedings were also under way to declare him a Proclaimed Offender (PO) when he was taken into custody,” the NIA said in its press release.The agency further revealed during its investigation that the accused was married to a Pakistani national and had been travelling frequently between India and Pakistan since 2005.“During one such visit, he was contacted and cultivated by PIOs to carry out espionage activities in India in lieu of financial inducements and the promise of Pakistani citizenship,” the release added.NIA reveals alleged espionage networkAccording to the NIA, the accused allegedly facilitated espionage and terror operatives by sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) linked to Indian telecom mobile numbers with a PIO to activate WhatsApp accounts.The agency claimed these accounts were later used by the alleged PIO to communicate secretly with Motiram Jat, another accused in the case, who was allegedly involved in passing sensitive security-related information.Investigation continuesThe NIA said investigations are underway to identify other individuals linked to the espionage racket and uncover the larger conspiracy behind the operation.The arrest comes amid wider crackdowns by the agency across states including West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to dismantle alleged cross-border intelligence networks.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? 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With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? 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