Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Dec 16: The 45th anniversary of “Vijay Diwas” was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm by Indian Army in Northern and Western Commands today.
A large number of 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.
Each year, December 16 is celebrated as ‘Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s historic victory over Pakistan. Swift and professionally planned operations executed by the Indian Armed forces led to one of the greatest military victories for the liberation of the people of erstwhile East Pakistan and the creation of a sovereign independent Bangladesh. It was on this day, that the largest military surrender took place at Dhaka when Indian Army, accepted the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops from Lt Gen AAK Niazi of the Pakistan Army.
The Northern Command commemorated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony at ‘Dhruva Shaheed Smarak’ by Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen D Anbu. In this message, Lt Gen Anbu said that, “This glorious day in the annals of history of India was made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of valiant soldiers during the war. The Indian Army changed the course of history with its undeterred courage, dedication and professionalism, bringing glory and honour to the Nation”. Thereafter Lt Gen D Anbu interacted with the veterans and service personnel present on the occasion.
In order to commemorate Vijay Diwas, the Counter Insurgency Force celebrated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony at ‘Wall of Remembrance’ which was witnessed by various civil dignitaries.
General Officer Commanding, CIF exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves in service of the nation and emulate the devotion and dedication of war veterans and martyrs.
‘Vijay Diwas’ was celebrated at Headquarters Western Command, today with full military grandeur and dignity. To commemorate this historic, occasion, a solemn ‘wreath laying ceremony’ was held at the “Veer Smriti” at Headquarters Western Command, Chandimandir.
Lt Gen IS Ghuman, Chief of Staff and all ranks of Western Command and a large number of veterans and serving soldiers laid wreaths in honour of our valiant martyrs and to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for our motherland.
The day is celebrated to commemorate the spectacular victory achieved by the Indian Armed forces on both the Eastern as well as Western fronts in 1971. It was on this day 45 years ago that over 90,000 Pakistani Troops surrendered to Indian Army, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. Major battles were fought all along the Western Front resulting in comprehensive defeat of the Pakistan Army.
To mark the 45th year of victory of Indian Army in 1971 Indo-Pak war over Pakistan Army, Vijay Diwas was celebrated at Nagrota Military Station. The GOC White Knight Corps, Lt Gen AK Sharma, laid wreath at Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal War Memorial at Nagrota in the morning hours to honour the valiant martyrs of Indian Army. Officers and jawans of White Knight Corps also paid their homage on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, GOC said that Indian Army has always stood tall and met all the challenges faced by the nation in an exemplary manner, coming out victorious each and every time. He also exhorted the valiant troops of Army to be ready to face any challenge.
General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division laid a wreath at Tiger War Memorial in Jammu Cantt today to commemorate Vijay Diwas and paid homage to the martyrs. The function was attended by several serving and retired officers and jawans to pay homage to the brave soldiers who had laid down their lives for the country. Last post was sounded by buglers to mark the occasion.
It was on Dec16, 1971 that the Indian Army under the leadership of General SHFJ Manekshaw (later Field Marshal), Navy, Air Force and the Paramilitary forces together registered a historic win over the Pakistan forces. The day witnessed the largest military surrender after World War II.
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, the Army organised a wreath laying ceremony on the statue of brave soldier, Naib Subedar Chuni Lal at Gatha Park Bhaderwah. A number of veterans, Veer Naris and locals of the area gathered to remember the son of the soil.
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