Having been a part of Bangladesh Liberation Force in 1971 War, I can recall with clarity the sentiments of Pakistani soldiers of 16 Inf Div in Bogra on 14 Dec, 71. They were feeling happy & lucky to be taken POW by us, else there was Mukti Vahini - which would have given them mukti !!!. A soldier does what his country wants him to do; but for the way a nation treats its POW depends upon the mindset of commander at the spot and the traditions. In our Officers Mess, on 12 Dec, 11 at BOGRA, Pakistani POW had lunch first and we had our food. I am sure that if any Pakistani officer of 8 BALAUCH or 205 Inf Bde reads thsi comment, would vouch for the correctness of my statement. What happened to Capt Saurabh Kalia and his men in 1999 - is in total contrast to how we treated them in 1965 & 1971. We had 93000 of them in INDIA, gave back captured areas - but failed to get back our 54 men. It is nothing but STATEMANSHIP and POLITICAL BLUNDERS; which made them commit such blunder. More none of these soldiers were sons / sons-in - law of any politician, so why care for them. Those who fought for the NATION in 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971, Sri Lanka and 1999 are now FIGHTING for PROPER PENSION from our NATIONAL leadership. They have deposited back the MEDALS & HONOURS won with the GOVT. JAI HIND.
