Thus, Manekshaw joined the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots, stationed at Lahore. Dixit, who headed the special division in the external affairs ministry to deal with the political dimensions of the East Pakistan crisis in 1971, was later sent by Mrs Gandhi as the first head of the Indian mission in newly-liberated Bangladesh. 'That means war,' Gen Manekshaw retorted. ', She said, 'I want you to enter Pakistan. Why did Indo-Bangladesh relations start deteriorating while Mujibur Rahman was still in power? And I said, 'Nothing, it's got nothing to do with me. COVID-19: Rajasthan Records 2,010 Fresh Cases, 15 Deaths, Will Try Not to Implement Farm Sector Bills in Maharashtra, Say Congress and NCP, Mexico Wants To Pay US Water Debt, Stay Out Of US Election, Political Pomp but With Sanitisers, White Circles: Rallies in Bihar to Follow 'Social Distancing', Telangana Govt Allows Reopening of Bars, Clubs & Tourism Bars; Instructs 'Deep Cleaning' and Sanitisation, UGC Announces New Guidelines on Exams, Academic Calender 2020-2021, Session to Begin from November 1, 'What Then Must We Do?' Jagjivan Ram ensured that both remained on board and Gandhi finally gave Man1971 ekshaw the freedom to go in at a time of his choosing. Thirteen days later Bangladesh was born marking one of the high points in Indian diplomacy: in nine months the country was able to isolate the US, bring Western Europe on to our side and win over He was later posted to the 4th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, stationed in Burma. Jagjivan Ram and the then defence secretary, K B Lall, made sure that the armed forces’ demands were fully met in the shortest possible time. And I responded, That means war! Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) There are legends galore about India's best known soldier.

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"There is a very thin line between being dismissed and becoming a Field Marshal. ''I told him that he could have the vehicle for as much. ', I turned around to the Prime Minister and said that the rains were about to start in East Pakistan and when it rains there, it pours and the whole countryside is flooded. DEAR REDIFF While Gandhi allowed Mankeshaw to go at a time of his choosing, it was absolutely necessary in those months that the forces get the weapons and equipment it desired on time. When it rains there the rivers become oceans. One such incident is about how as the Army Chief in 1971, General Sam Manekshaw confronted the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the Bangladesh issue. He said he would give only Rs 1000. ''I have seen several angry women, including my wife. COMMENTARY At one stage, he even urged Mankekshaw, “Maan bhi jao (Please give in)”, but the Army chief refused to budge, knowing fully well that success was not assured. On the eve of the war, Indira Gandhi again asked General Maneksaw if he was ready for the war. What if the Chinese give an ultimatum? At the time, India had two very strong personalities at the helm — Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and then General and later Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was the Chief of the Army Staff. But never one like Mrs Gandhi,'' said the field marshal while releasing last evening in Delhi the book, Liberation and Beyond: Indo-Bangladesh relations , written by J N Dixit, former foreign secretary. The Prime Minister held a Cabinet meeting in her office. ', She smiled at me and said, 'All right Sam, you know what I want?' Manekshaw apparently had his way as the Bangladesh war took place seven months later, giving the armed forces ample time for preparations. REDIFF POLL YEH HAI INDIA! This was important because civil and military relations can get nasty, especially if there is a strong leader at the helm of the government.