50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas observed across Northeastern states

GUWAHATI/AGARTALA/ ITANAGAR: Vijay Diwas, which marks the Indian military's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the creation of Bangladesh, was observed across the northeastern states on Wednesday.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War victory, the Border Security Force (BSF) organised a wreath laying ceremony at the Liberation War Memorial at the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Uddyan Park, Chottakhola, in south Tripura.

BSF's Tripura frontier Inspector General Susanta Kumar Nath, Bangladesh Assistant High Commission official S. M. Asaduzzaman, south Tripura District Magistrate DebapriyaBardhan and other dignitaries attended the event and paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 'Bangladesh Liberation War - 1971' besides highlighting the significance of Vijay Diwas.

War veterans were felicitated at the function, where hundreds of school children sang patriotic songs. The songs were also played by the BSF brass band and a short movie on the role of the 'Mukti Vahini in 1971 War' was screened.

The Tripura government has developed a big memorial and park at the border village of Chottakhola -- 132 km south of Agartala -- in memory of the Indian soldiers and Bangladeshi freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the war.

Former Tripura Chief Minister ManikSarkar inaugurated the park and memorial in 2017, which was built on 20.20 hectares of land over an eight-year period at a cost of Rs 7 crore.

Vijay Diwas was also observed with traditional military decorum and fanfare at the Trishakti Corps at Sukna Military Station in Siliguri, West Bengal.

Defence spokesman Lt. Col P. Khongsai said that the 1971 India-Pakistan War resulted in a landmark victory for the nation, as well as its Armed Forces.

"The historic military victory resulted in Pakistan ceding control of then East Pakistan, thus paving the way for the birth of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas is a historical event and a shining example of people's aspirations being ably supported by decisive military action. This year, it is also being celebrated to begin the Golden Jubilee year (Swarnim Vijay Varsh) celebrations," he said.

Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, General-Officer-Commanding of Trishakti Corps, paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the War Memorial. The day was also celebrated in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and other parts of northeast India. In Tripura, Agriculture and Transport Minister PranajitSingha Roy paid tributes to the valiant personnel of the Armed Forces at the war memorial in the heart of Agartala city.

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala also organised discussions, cultural programmes and a get-together on the occasion. The day-long celebrations are taking place in both the mission complexes.

"Besides cultural programmes performed by Indian and Bangladeshi artists, seminars and discussions are being held to commemorate the historic Bangladesh Liberation War and the incredible victory," said an official of Agartala-based Bangladesh's Assistant High Commission.

"The 1971 war comprised two major operations -- Operation Cactus Lily and Operation Nut Cracker -- and 57 Mountain Division was actively involved in both operations with fire power support from 57 Mountain Artillery Brigade," said defence analyst Manas Paul.

"Both operations progressed from Agartala westwards towards Dhaka. The war finally culminated on December 16, 1971 with the unconditional surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, Maj Gen (Retd) Ian Cardozo, Lt ArunKhetrapal, Lance Naik Albert Ekka are a few of our war heroes," Paul added. (IANS)

OUR ITANAGAR CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra on Wednesday called upon the younger generation to draw lessons from the Indo-Pak war, which the Indian army fought with great valour.

Participating in an e-conclave on the historic 1971 Indo-Pak war, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) virtually on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas', the Governor said that for India to become a stronger nation there must be strong political will and leadership, coupled with full defence preparedness for armed forces to thwart any eventuality.

Dr Mishra justified the appointment of General BipinRawat as the 'Chief of Defence Staff'; and welcomed the free hand given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the defence forces in countering the recent misadventures by Pakistan and China on the borders.

Giving insight of the war and atrocities by the Pakistani Army on Bangladesh civilians, he shared the narratives of the 13-day war, which had a huge impact in the political and socio-economic affairs in South East Asia.

Going down the memory lane, the Governor gave a vivid picture of the Indo-Pak war of 1971 in which he had participated. He said that success in the war was due to the free hand given to the Army -- led by one of India's best Military Commander, General Sam Manekshaw -- by the political leadership and adequate preparation time for the war. He pointed out that the purpose of the conclave is to recognise the supreme sacrifice of the brave personnel of armed forces in 1971 war and to remind the younger generations of their duty to sacrifice in national defence and nation building.

Chief Minister PemaKhandu in his deliberation said that Indo-Pak war was Indian Army's one of the biggest victories ever. Highlighting the bonhomie between Indian Armed forces and the people of the State, Khandu said that the State has displayed the best civil-Army relation in the entire nation.

Sharing the importance of the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that there could be no better way of heralding the spirit of 'New India', than recalling one of the nation's finest wins, a testament to its military prowess and superiority.

Air Marshal (retd) Pranab Kumar Barbora, shared his observation as a newly commissioned fighter pilot stationed at Air Force Station, Tezpur during the war. Lt General R.P. Kalita, General Officer Commanding of three Corps, in his keynote address, highlighted the key role of Indian Army in the 13-day Indo Pak war; and recalled the exceptional personal valour and sacrifice of some personnel of the force. The theme of the e-conclave was 'Recalling the Valour of Indian Armed Forces and ending the genocide by the Pakistan Army in Bangladesh on 16th December, 1971'.

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