Description
This is one of the rarest and most sought-after accounts of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, written from within the Pakistani military establishment. Major General Siddiq Salik served as Director of Public Relations for the Pakistan Army during the conflict and witnessed firsthand the events leading to Pakistan’s surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971. Unlike most narratives that glorify military action, this book offers a remarkably candid and self-critical examination of the political and military failures that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Salik’s insider perspective makes this essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complete picture of the 1971 war—not just the triumphant Indian narrative, but also the internal chaos, miscalculations, and moral failures on the Pakistani side. For Indian readers interested in South Asian history, military affairs, or the geopolitics of the subcontinent, this book provides invaluable context that few other sources can match.
- Print length: 320 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: The Browser
- Publication date: 15 September 2024
- Reading age: 16 years and up
- Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.3 cm
- ISBN-10: 939221071X
- ISBN-13: 978-9392210716
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of Witness to Surrender?
Witness to Surrender is written by Major General Siddiq Salik, who served as Director of Public Relations for the Pakistan Army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. His insider position gives the book unique credibility and access to events that few others witnessed firsthand.
What is Witness to Surrender book about?
The book is a candid account of the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh’s independence, written from the Pakistani military perspective. It documents the political and military failures that resulted in Pakistan’s surrender on December 16, 1971, offering rare insights into the internal dynamics of the Pakistani establishment during the conflict.
Is Witness to Surrender available in India?
Yes, Witness to Surrender is available for purchase online in India at The Bookish Owl for ₹428.4. This reprint by The Browser makes this historically important but rare book accessible to Indian readers interested in 1971 war history.
Why is Witness to Surrender considered an important book on the 1971 war?
It’s one of the few Pakistani military accounts that honestly examines the failures leading to the 1971 surrender. While most narratives are either celebratory or defensive, Salik’s self-critical analysis provides balance and depth, making it essential reading for understanding all perspectives of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Who should read Witness to Surrender?
This book is ideal for history enthusiasts, military affairs scholars, students of South Asian geopolitics, and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the 1971 war beyond a single narrative. It’s particularly valuable for readers aged 16+ who want to explore the complexities of the subcontinent’s most significant modern conflict.
