Agartala/Imphal/Aizawl — Various northeastern state governments, the Army and other
organisations on Monday celebrated the 53rd anniversary of 'Vijay Diwas' with
wreath-laying ceremonies and other events organised at the war memorials and
other places.
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- On December 16, 1971, at Ramna Race Course, now Suhrawardy
Udyan, in Dhaka, Lt. Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, leading the Allied Forces
(comprising Indian troops and Mukti Bahini), accepted the surrender of the
Pakistan Forces chief, Lt. Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93,000
Pakistani troops. This decisive victory in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 led to
the liberation of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of
Bangladesh. To commemorate this historic victory, Vijay Diwas is observed
annually on December 16 across India and Bangladesh, honouring the sacrifices
and valour of those who fought in the war.
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- To mark Vijay Diwas, the Army and Assam Rifles have been
organising a series of events in Tripura, which played a vital role during the
1971 war from where the Army launched major offensive campaigns and operations
during the Liberation War and local population supported the cause.
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- A series of events were held at the iconic Albert Ekka War
Memorial on the outskirts of Agartala with the atmosphere charged with
patriotism as the nation paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their
lives for the country.
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- The highlight of this solemn occasion was a poignant
wreath-laying ceremony led by Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu. Red
Shield Division commander and other senior officials from the Army were also
present at the ceremony which served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices
made by the gallant soldiers.
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- In Mizoram, joining the nationwide observation of India’s
victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971, the state observed the Vijay Diwas
at the War Memorial at Treasury Square in Aizawl. Governor Hari Babu
Kambhampati led the floral tributes to pay homage and respect to the brave
soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Chief Minister Lalduhoma,
Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga (retd), and many
other Army and civil officials followed the Governor in paying tribute to the
fallen soldiers by laying wreaths at the memorial.
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- In Manipur, the main function of the Vijay Diwas was held at
the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, Imphal. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh,
Forest Minister Biswajit Singh and officials paid floral tribute to the brave
soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the 1971 war.
