December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas in India marking the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. In conversation with India Narrative, retired Air Commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhary of Bangladesh Air Force shares his views and perspectives of the 1971 Liberation War. He provides a historical perception which led to the creation of Bangladesh and the role played by the Mukti Bahani and New Delhi's support and assistance in realising the aspiration of the Bengalis. The 1971 War highlights the cultural difference between Dhaka and Islamabad. It was further widened when Yahya Khan initiated 'Operation Searchlight' against the mainly Hindu Bengalis and other citizens of Bangladesh.