India on Friday said Pakistan remains in denial over the atrocities it committed during ‘Operation Searchlight’ in 1971, including the systematic and targeted killing of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and widespread sexual violence against women, which forced millions to flee and seek refuge in India.

“These atrocities, needless to say, shook the conscience of the world at large. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes. We support Bangladesh in its desire for justice,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

He said they are all aware of the terrible atrocities that were committed by the Pakistan in 1971.

The MEA spokesperson said the genocide involved systematic and targeted killing of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and mass sexual violence against women.

It also forced millions of Bangladeshi people to leave their country who went to India as refugees.  

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days.

India looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh: Indian President

On that dark night, he said, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of ‘Operation Searchlight’.

The Prime Minister said they indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people. “The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre.”