Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Dec 16: The 47th anniversary of “Vijay Divas” was celebrated today at Northern Command headquarters here and other Defence formations across the region with traditional enthusiasm.
The celebration commemorated with a wreath laying ceremony at `Dhruva Shahid Smarak’ by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command.
Each year, December 16, is celebrated as Vijay Divas to commemorate India’s Military victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. The victory is unique as it was on this day that 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered to the Indian Army eventuating in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.
On this momentous occasion, the Army Commander complimented the rank and file of Northern Command for their steadfastness, dedication and selflessness. The Army Commander exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves in the service of the Nation and confront new challenges with professionalism and courage.
Rising Star Corps celebrated Vijay Divas by organising felicitation ceremony at Yol Cantt for the brave serving soldiers. A wreath laying ceremony was held at the War Memorial in Dharamshalla, where Lt Gen YVK Mohan, General Officer Commanding, Rising Star Corps laid the wreath along with ex-servicemen and other ranks. Floral tributes were also paid by a large number of civilians and NCC cadets.
A two-day weapon and equipment display event has also been arranged at the venue to motivate the youth and young children.
Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) , in a solemn ceremony held today paid homage to the brave hearts who laid down their lives fighting during the Indo-Pak war in 1971.
In order to commemorate this and pay homage to the martyrs, Counter Insurgency Force Headquarters celebrated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony at ‘Wall of Remembrance’ which was witnessed by all ranks.
The General Officer Commanding, CIF, exhorted all ranks to emulate the devotion and dedication of war veterans and martyrs, which has brought the Indian Army to the pinnacles of professional glory.
Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Army based at Bhaderwah also celebrated ‘Vijay Divas’ to pay homage to those who died in the 1971 war that led to Pakistan’s defeat and Bangladesh’s birth.
The officers and jawans of Rashtriya Rifles Bhaderwah, besides ex-servicemen, family members of martyrs and representatives from civil society participated in the program which was held at Gatha in Bhaderwah, where the memorial of Martyr Sub. Chuni Lal, the most decorated soldier of the area, is situated.
Commanding Officer Rashtriya Rifles based at Bhadarwah told that the 47th anniversary of the event was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm at the memorial of Martyr Chuni Lal. The RR commemorated the occasion with a wreath laying at the memorial of Martyr Chunni Lal by ASP Bhaderwah Rajinder Singh, SHO Munir Khan and ex-servicemen followed by the Commanding Officer’s interaction with ex-servicemen and the family members of martyrs.
Meanwhile, former Minister and District president Samba Manjit Singh on Sunday said India needs Indira Gandhi like Prime Minister of the country to defend the country.
In a statement, Manjit Singh while speaking before the party workers at Vijaypur said that Indian Army won battle in 1971 and divided Pakistan into two countries within 13 days.
Singh said that the moral of the armed forces is very high, but there is a need to have a prime minister like Indira Gandhi. “Country led by weak political party will add on trouble and the time has come to bring a change at the national level,” he said, reminding people about the victory of Congress party in three states.
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