UNB

India yesterday said Pakistan remains in denial over the atrocities it committed during “Operation Searchlight” in 1971, including the systematic and targeted killing of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and widespread sexual violence against women, which forced millions to flee and seek refuge in India.

“These atrocities, needless to say, shook the conscience of the world at large. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes. We support Bangladesh in its desire for justice,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of “Operation Searchlight”.

The premier added that the Pak army indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people.

“The genocide of March 25 was a pre-planned massacre.”