New Delhi: Senior BJP leader L K Advani blamed the Congress Government, led by Indira Gandhi, for not taking advantage of the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistan soldiers during the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 on Saturday.
He also blamed the Congress for squandering the opportunity of resolving the Kashmir issue.
In a statement, Advani, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said the defeat of the Pakistani army had resulted in 93,000 soldiers surrendering as prisoners of war to the Indian army, one of the largest surrenders after the World War II.
''Had the Indian Government of the day used this advantage properly in the Summit talks with Pakistan in Shimla in July 1972, the Kashmir issue could have been solved once and for all. Sadly, India frittered away a historic opportunity,'' the former Deputy Prime Minister regretted.
He said that December 16 happened to be the 35th anniversary of Bangladesh liberation, 13 days after India declared war on Pakistan and the Indian Army entered Dhaka and secured formal unconditional surrender of Pakistan troops.
''Till date, it remains one of the proudest achievements of Indian armed forces,'' Mr Advani recalled, conveying his tributes to the martyrs and heroes of the liberation of Bangladesh.
He said that two leaders of the armed forces who deserved a special mention for India's victory were Lt Gen Jagjit Singh and Maj Gen J F R Jacob.
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