During the Bangladesh Liberation War, Mirpur remained pro-Pakistan. Bengalis living in Mirpur were threatened and attacked by pro-Pakistan Biharis. Bengali poet, Meherunnesa, was killed by the Bihari inhabitants of Mirpur along with her family members. Bangladesh became an independent country on 16 December 1971. Mirpur Thana, mostly inhabited by Biharis, remained under the control of pro-Pakistan paramilitary forces even after the independence of Bangladesh. Many of the inhabitants were members of pro-Pakistan paramilitary forces like the Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams. They possessed weapons and ammunition, given to them by the Pakistan Army. After the Liberation War ended, Bihari neighborhoods were guarded by Indian Army soldiers. On 30 January 1972, Indian Army personnel were withdrawn, as their guarding of Biharis had become a source of tension between Bangladeshis and Indians.