He was in office from 9 June 1964 – 11 January 1966, just for 18 months as PM. He died a death of conspiracy which remains hidden in history even today...
After the Chinese aggression of 1962, when India's confidence in her strength had been shaken, Pakistan was creating trouble along the borders.
In September 1965 there was a large-scale invasion of the territory by Pakistani soldiers in the Chhamb area. War broke out all along the Cease-fire Line on the Kashmir border.In addition to this, there was the threat posed by the Chinese on the northern borders of India.
Lal Bahadur Shastri faced all these problems with a will of iron. It was at this time that the country understood the greatness of Lal Bahadur Shastri. He gave full freedom to the Commander of the Army:
'Go forward and strike'
Addressing the nation on 13th August 1965 Shastriji referred to Pakistan's threats and said,
"Force will be met with force."
Two days later, during the celebration of Independence day, he declared from the ramparts of the Red Fort:
"It does not matter if we are destroyed. We will fight to the last to maintain the high honor of the Indian nation and its flag."
Just at this time another danger threatened India. China sent a letter, which said, "The Indian army has set up army equipment in Chinese territory. India should pull down this equipment. Otherwise it will have to face the wrath of China."
China's allegations were a bundle of lies. If India removed the military equipment she would be admitting that China's charges were true. Also, that would mean India was afraid of China. Even the big nations waited breathlessly to see what Lal Bahadur would say and what India would do.
Lal Bahadur did not take long to give a reply. The letter from China was received on the morning of 17th September 1965. He made a statement in the Parliament the same afternoon. He declared:
"China's allegation is untrue. If China attacks India it is our firm resolve to fight for our freedom. The might of China will not deter us from defending our territorial integrity."
India's soldiers had no fear of death and fought most splendidly and heroically. The army and the air force functioned like the two arms of a single body. The invaders were beaten. The Pakistani army could not stand against the Indian army. It was then that, for the first time, the world came to realize the supremacy of the Indian army.
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