Finance
On Friday, the northeastern states observed “Vijay Diwas,” which commemorates India’s historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the formation of sovereign Bangladesh from east Pakistan.
Wreath laying ceremonies and other events were held at War Memorials in Agartala, Shillong, Aizawl, and other locations.
On the occasion, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala hosted discussions, cultural programs, and a get-together.
Vijay Diwas was observed in Meghalaya on Friday to commemorate the 51st anniversary of India’s victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan war at Headquarters Eastern Air Command in Shillong.
Wing Commander Sreeprakash of the Indian Air Force said that in memory of all the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, paid tributes by laying a wreath at the Shillong War Memorial.
A solemn Vijay Diwas function was organized by Red Shield Gunners in Tripura to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the 1971 war at Albert Ekka War Memorial on the outskirts of Agartala city.
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 laid wreaths at the memorial.
To commemorate the day, a patriotic cultural evening was held at the Albert Ekka War Memorial.
The event was co-organized by the Tripura government, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and the Indian Army.
To commemorate Vijay Diwas, the Assam Rifles organized a bike rally that began in northern Tripura’s Kailasahar and ended in Agartala.
State Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga paid floral tributes at the War Memorial in Aizawl’s Treasury Square.
In Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and his cabinet paid tributes at the First Manipur Rifles ground in Imphal.
Paying his respect to the Indian soldiers, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted: “As we commemorate the glorious occasion of Vijay Diwas, let us remember the fearlessness and fighting spirit of our men in uniform, whose efforts led to surrender of Pakistani Army and creation of Bangladesh in 1971. I join the nation in saluting all the bravehearts who attained veergati.”
“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 Arun Khetrapal, Lance Naik Albert Ekka are a few of our war heroes,” Paul added.
The day was also celebrated in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of northeast India.
Source:IANS
