GUWAHATI:
The Indian Army, on December 16, commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the 1971 Liberation War, by organising a solemn Vijay Diwas function at Albert Ekka War Memorial, Lichu Bagan, in Tripura by Red Shield Gunners.
The 1971 war has its special significance as it remains one of the shortest successful wars ever fought. The conflict started on December 3, 1971, and within 13 days, Pakistan was brought to its knees. It resulted in the splitting of Pakistan into two halves and gave birth to the sovereign nation Bangladesh.
During this operation, the Indian Armed Forces compelled the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops.
The operations ended on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka after the unconditional surrender of the Pakistani forces. This historic day is celebrated every year as “Vijay Diwas” in India and “Bijoy Dibos” in Bangladesh.
The day commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of all those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during the 1971 war.
Wreaths were laid by Tripura chief minister, Manik Saha, station commander, Agartala Military Station, sector commander of Assam Rifles, chairman, Rajya Sainik Welfare Board and veterans of the 1971 war.
Later, a cultural evening was conducted at Albert Ekka War Memorial to commemorate the day. The event was jointly organized by the Tripura government, Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala and the Indian Army.
The event was marked with the presence of the chief minister as chief guest, cultural affairs minister Sushant Choudhary, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh Arif Mohammad, some senior officials from the state administration, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, BSF and CRPF, war veterans of 1971 war and citizen of Tripura.
The event also witnessed the presence of a large number of school children and NCC cadets. Mesmerizing performances by local artists, a cultural team from Bangladesh, students of Army Public School, Agartala, NCC cadets and Bhangra by India Army troops made the evening memorable.
In his address, Manik Saha, remembered the 1971 war and the role played by the valiant people of Tripura during this war.
Saha also appreciated the role of Mukti Jodhas who fought alongside the Indian Armed Forces to achieve their dream of a free Bangladesh. He further said that India and Bangladesh have a long and lasting friendship which has become stronger with time.
He also said that Bangladesh and Tripura are not only geographical neighbours but have deep historical and cultural ties and these relations will only become stronger in times to come.
During the programme, the chief minister also felicitated 1971 war veterans in recognition of their invaluable service to the nation and school children who bagged prizes in a painting competition organized for children on December 11 to commemorate this historic day.