Source : INDIATV NEWS
The Simla Agreement was signed on 2nd July 1972 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
In retaliation of the measures taken by India against Pakistan after the henious terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Islamic country has suspended one of the key pacts signed between the two countries in 1972- the Simla Agreement. Inked 52 years ago on July 2, 1972, by then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the Simla Accord consists of six agreements. One of the key clauses in this agreement was to respect the Line of Control (LoC) by both sides without ‘prejudice’.
On Thursday, a day after India’s announcement, Pakistan announced several measures against India, including the closure of the Wagah border for trade, suspension of Saarc visa exemptions for Indian citizens, and the expulsion of Indian military diplomats, who have been declared persona non grata.
What is 1972 Simla Accord?
The Simla Agreement was a bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan, signed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi and then Pakistani president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It came in the immediate repercussion of the 1971 war, which led to the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of an independent Bangladesh. The treaty was signed in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. “Jammu and Kashmir, the line of control resulting from the cease-fire of December 17, 1971 shall be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognised position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat or the use of force in violation of this Line,” the Accord reads.
In the 1971 war, Pakistan was forced to surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971 after a full-blown military conflict with India. During the civil conflict in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), India decided to intervene and won the war. The surrender by Pakistani army led to the Simla agreement.
Ojective of the Simla Agreement
The key objective behind this agreement was the normalisation of relations and peace establishment between India and Pakistan. The most important agreement was related to the Jammu and Kashmir situation, Line of Control (LoC), which resulted from the 1971 ceasefire. The agreement stated that both sides will respect the line without prejudice.
Impact of Simla Agreement
The suspension of the Simla pact may not have any immediate consequences, but regional instability is expected. As of now, India has not issued any official statement in response to Pakistan’s measures.
