The Delhi Agreement, signed on July 24, 1972, was a peace agreement between India and Pakistan. It was a historic moment that brought an end to the Bangladesh Liberation War and resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. However, the agreement was not accepted by everyone. In this article, we will explore who opposed the Delhi Agreement and why.

The Agreement

Before delving into the opposition to the Delhi Agreement, it is essential to understand what it entailed. The agreement was signed between the then-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and the President of Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. It aimed to end the hostilities between India and Pakistan and create a framework for a lasting peace. The agreement provided for the release of prisoners of war, the withdrawal of troops, and the establishment of a joint commission to resolve disputes.

The Opposition

Despite the noble intentions of the Delhi Agreement, it was not accepted by everyone. In India, the opposition to the agreement came from various quarters. The main opposition came from the Jan Sangh, a right-wing political party. They opposed the agreement because they believed that it was detrimental to India`s national interests. They argued that the agreement gave Pakistan an undue advantage and that India had given up too much in the negotiations.

Outside India, the opposition came from Pakistan`s former military dictator, General Yahya Khan, who was deposed after the Bangladesh Liberation War. He believed that the agreement was a sell-out by Bhutto and that he had surrendered Pakistan`s interests. He was also critical of the return of the prisoners of war, particularly those who had been involved in the killings of civilians in Bangladesh.

Another group that opposed the Delhi Agreement was the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a political party in Bangladesh. They believed that the agreement did not provide for adequate compensation for the atrocities committed during the war, and that the war criminals had been allowed to go scot-free.

Conclusion

The Delhi Agreement was a significant moment in the history of South Asia. It brought an end to a brutal war, and Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation. However, it was not accepted by everyone. The opposition in India came from the Jan Sangh, who believed that India had given up too much in the negotiations. In Pakistan, General Yahya Khan was critical of the agreement, and the BNP in Bangladesh believed that it did not provide for adequate compensation for the atrocities committed during the war. Despite the opposition, the Delhi Agreement paved the way for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, and it remains a significant event in the history of the subcontinent.