Udhampur ,December 16, (Scoop News)-The 43rd Anniversary of “Vijay Diwas” was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm at HQ Northern command today. A large number of civil dignitaries, ex- servicemen and service personnel participated in the celebrations and paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives in Indo-Pak war of 1971.
It may be mentioned here that December 16 is celebrated each year as VIJAY DIWAS to commemorate India’s historic victory over Pakistan. The swift and professionally planned operations executed by the Indian Armed Forces led to one of the greatest military victories recorded in the annals of World history. It was on this day, that the largest military surrender after World War II took place at Dhaka when the General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora accepted the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops from Lt Gen AAK Niazi of the Pakistan Army. This historic victory signifies a unique and unparalleled feat wherein our forces fought selflessly for a just and noble cause; the liberation of the people of erstwhile East Pakistan and the creation of a sovereign independent Bangladesh.
The Northern Command commemorated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony at Dhurva War Memorial by Lt Gen DS Hooda, GOC-in-C (Army Commander) .In his special message Army Commander highlighted the role of the Indian Armed forces in achieving major military victories in the 1971 war. This glorious day in the annals of history of the Indian Army was made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of valiant soldiers during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The Indian Army changed the course of history with its undeterred courage, dedication and professionalism, bringing glory and honour to the Nation. While remembering the martyrs, all ranks of the Northern Command reaffirmed steadfast and lifelong commitment to the martyr’s families. Their indomitable courage, unflagging zeal and dogged determination shall always be the greatest source of inspiration for all ranks of the Indian Army.
On this momentous occasion Lt Gen DS Hooda exhorted all ranks of the Northern Command to rededicate themselves in the service of the nation and emulate the devotion and resoluteness of war veterans and martyrs, which has brought the Indian Army to the pinnacle of professional glory.
Meanwhile VIJAY DIWAS was celebrated at Headquarters Western Command today to commemorate the spectacular victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistani Forces on both the Eastern as well as Western Fronts in 1971.The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 – also known as “Bangladesh War” was fought from 03 to 16 December 1971 and resulted in one of the most decisive victory with over 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendering to Indian Forces and the creation of nation state of Bangladesh.
To commemorate this victory and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives, a “Wreath Laying Ceremony” was organised on 16 December at the ‘Veer Smriti’ at Chandimandir. Lieutenant General KJ Singh, AVSM**, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command laid wreath on behalf of all ranks of the Western Command. General VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retired) laid wreath on behalf of war veterans of the Indo-Pak Wars. Other serving officers, senior veterans and war decorated personnel also laid wreaths on the occasion. The patriotic fervour of the event was further enhanced with rendition of soulful patriotic songs.
A candle lighting ceremony was also held at the ‘Veer Smriti’ in the evening. All Ranks and families of Chandimandir Military Station participated in the event.
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