WALKING 1400 MILES FOR FREEDOM

• During the war of liberation in 1971,

Pakistani soldiers were brutally killing
innocent Bengalis. Fearing for their
lives, people took refuge in groups
across the border, in India. Refugee
camp was opened The responsibility of
saving about one crore Bengalis fell on
the Indira Gandhi government. People
in some states of India are unhappy with
this In various ways, they are
pressuring the government to return
the refugees and not to help in the
liberation war.
• At the same time, the plan was to organize a
'World Conscience Awakening March' from
Bangladesh to Delhi It was attended by 38
educated youths from different districts of
Bangladesh The purpose was to gain
recognition from the Indian government, to
issue memoranda to various embassies
demanding Mujib's release, and to build
Indian public opinion in favor of
independence by describing the genocide
and killings by the Pakistani army.
• Pedestrians used to go to different
places and hold public meetings. All of
them were holding placards and national
flags with the words ‘One word for us-
Independence Bangladesh’, ‘We want
Mujib’s release’.The march started from
15th October and lasted till 16th
December 1971 The news of the march
started to be spread in the local and
foreign media. The 'World Conscience
Awakening March' played a very
important role in shaping the Indian and
world public opinion for the war of
liberation and independence
• Source: It was collected from the BBC
& CNN news,the article was on
Bangladesh.