Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 16: The ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Mashaal’, symbolic of India’s 1971 war victory over Pakistan, reached Kashmir valley to a warm welcome.
It was given a grand reception at Wuzur to commemorate 50 Years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the epic war of 1971 on Tuesday.
On 16 December 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lighted the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ from the hallowed and the eternal flame of National War Memorial that marked the commencement of this Golden Jubilee Year, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.
Chinar Corps in a Tweet said the ”mashaal” was received at Banihal-Ramban in Jammu region on Tuesday. 1971 India-Pakistan war lead to the creation of #Bangladesh. It demolished the ‘Two Nation’ theory of #Pakistan. The surrender of 93000 Pakistani troops is unparalleled in recent human history, Chinar Corps further ‘tweeted.
He said four such ”mashaals” are travelling in the four cardinal directions, reaching the remotest corners of the nation to include villages of our valiant and intrepid warriors who participated in the war.
One of these ”mashaals” entered Kashmir valley and was received by Commander 2 Sector Rashtriya Rifles at the northern portal of the Jawahar tunnel in south Kashmir.
The presence of three Ex Service Men (ESM) and one Veer Nari of 1971 War along with 10 Veer Naris and 36 ESMs during the event made it all the more memorable, he said.
Carrying of the mashaal by these esteemed guests during the event acknowledged their sacrifice and contribution to the eternally grateful nation.
School children from Wuzur and Behibagh of south Kashmir, dressed in saffron, white and green attires symbolizing our national flag, marched to the beat of military band playing martial tunes. The NCC cadets in attendance drew inspiration from the ceremony, further strengthening their resolve to join the Armed Forces and serve their motherland.
The grand reception of the ”mashaal” was followed by a solemn ceremony held at Wuzur Garrison to pay homage to the fallen heroes of that war and to remember the sacrifice they made in honour of their beloved motherland.
The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of the war veterans and veer naris as a mark of respect for the sacrifices they made and personifying courage and resilience.
The event was also attended by prominent civil dignitaries, including Dr Bilal Mohd-ud-din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam and other senior military officers.