'Pakistan still denies 1971 crimes, India stands with Bangladesh'

India has once again highlighted the brutal atrocities and genocide committed by the Pakistan Army in the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) during 'Operation Searchlight' in 1971. The country said Pakistan continues to deny the crimes of that genocide to this day, and India fully supports Bangladesh's aspirations for justice.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, made these remarks during the ministry's weekly briefing on Thursday, March 26.

"We are all aware of the brutal atrocities committed by Pakistan during Operation Searchlight in 1971. In that genocide, millions of innocent Bangladeshi people were systematically targeted and killed, and women were subjected to widespread sexual crimes," Jaiswal said.

He further noted that the brutality of the Pakistani forces forced millions to flee across the border to take refuge in India. Those atrocities shook the conscience of the global community. However, it is deeply regrettable that Pakistan continues to deny its crimes to this day.

Expressing solidarity with Bangladesh's demand for justice, Randhir Jaiswal said, "We support Bangladesh's aspiration for justice."