PANAJI
Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai on Tuesday billed India's triumph in the 1971 war against Pakistan as the country's greatest achievement in war, adding that the development has ensured peace in the sub-continent since.
"... we can proudly say that the greatest achievement of our country in the field of war was witnessed in 1971," Pillai said in Panaji.
The Governor made the remarks at the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' event in Panaji, which was held to celebrate India's victory in the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
"Within two weeks, we achieved the goal (winning the war) and the goal is a permanent contribution to the peace, democracy and human rights of the Bay. For that purpose, the achievements accomplished by our country -- now we are completing 50 years -- and it is the greatest contribution to the sovereignty of the country as well," Pillai further said.
Pillai also said lamented the condition of mojahirs -- Muslims who crossed over into Pakistan after the partition -- expressing sorrow about the violence that the community has had to face.
"Who mohajir Muslims? Who is responsible for their pathetic condition? How many mohajir Muslim ladies could not protect their lives. They were brutally killed, martyred, raped. All these things happened," the Governor said, adding that the 1971 war taught a lesson that people from all walks of life should unite together to achieve their goals.
He also lauded Mahatma Gandhi, who he said stood united, at a time when one group wanted to carve a country on the lines of religion.
"Gandhi and others always stood for a united India. Then, one group of people, I'm not taking any names, said religion is a basis for a country, so we want a separate country like that," the Governor said.
"Even now think about it, its pros and cons and specifically, because our country is the greatest in the world. All the religions born in the world were welcomed by us. There was no persecution against... by and large I am saying... nothing in ancient India," he added.
