2017-01-10 Tue

“If Pakistan has any ideas of annexing any part of our territories by force, she should think afresh. I want to state categorically that force will be met with force and aggression against us will never be allowed to succeed.” – Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The India-Pakistan War of 1965 was the result of border disputes and another attempt by Pakistan to capture Kashmir. Due to the current cold war politics in the world, namely, United States of Soviet Russia (USSR) and United States of America’s (USA) strive to become the ultimate global power a ceasefire was sought to avoid this War from escalating into a global war (US and China supported Pakistan; USSR supported India).

The diplomatic efforts of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resulted in a ceasefire on 22nd September, 1965. USSR played the role of a mediator; Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Muhammad Ayub Khan met at Tashkent, Moscow from 4th January- 10th January, 1966. The Tashkent Declaration was signed on 10th January, 1966.

Significant clauses of this agreement were:
The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan agree to make all efforts to establish good relations between India and Pakistan in accordance with the United Nations Charter. They affirm to renounce the use of force in the settlement of their disputes.
The President of Pakistan and the Indian Prime Minister agree to withdraw, no later than February 25, 1966, all armed personnel to the position held before August 5, 1964.
Both India and Pakistan agree to follow the principle of non-interference in their affairs and will discourage the use of any propaganda against each other.
Both the countries also agree to reopen normal diplomatic functioning and to return of the High Commissioners of both the countries to their posts.
Measures towards the restoration of economic and trade relations, communications, as well as cultural exchanges between the two countries were to be taken. Measures were to be taken to implement the existing agreements between Pakistan and India.
Prisoners of war would be repatriated.
Discussions would continue relating to the problem of refugees and eviction of illegal immigrants. Both sides will create conditions that will prevent the exodus of the people.

India Post issued this commemorative 15 paisa stamp of Lal Bahadur Shastri on 26th January, 1966 on Republic Day remembering the martyr who died just days ago, 11th January, 1966.