What’s the story of Gen Niazi’s Mercedes car that India got as war trophy in 1971 War with Pakistan

#IndianArmy #1971war #indiapakistan

This is Mercedes car of Eastern Pakistan Army Commander Lt Gen AAK Niazi. The Eastern Pakistan is now Bangladesh. The Mercedes was driven from Dhaka to Calcutta as a War Trophy for Indian Army after the Pakistan Army lost to Indian Army in 1971 war. It is now a part of Indian Army Commander's fleet.

The car was at display at the 53rd Statesman Vintage and Classic car rally at the Eastern Command Sports Stadium, Fort Williams on 21 January. Around 150 vintage and classic cars had taken part in the rally.

It is said that Lt Gen Niazi was in this vehicle when it reached Dhaka airport to receive Lt Gen J S Aurora, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, before the surrender ceremony on December 16, 1971.

Lt Gen Jack Farj Rafael Jacob, chief of staff, Eastern Command, had accompanied him. After the surrender ceremony, Niazi was taken into custody and brought to Kolkata where he was put up at the historic Kitchener House at Fort William.

The car is now

The war between India and Pakistan lasted for 13 days. It gave birth to a new country — Bangladesh.

The Indian Army took approximately 93,000 prisoners of war, the largest surrender of forces since World War II.

And with its victory, the balance of power in the subcontinent firmly, and forever, shifted to India.

Note: This is Senior defence and strategic affairs journalist Sujan Dutta’s video which India Sentinels is using with his consent.

[gbnewsshow]

Well done, Anish! Extempore attempt for voiceover