Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: The Congress Party celebrated the ‘Golden Jubilee’ of Bangladesh’s independence at JKPCC headquarters, Shaheedi Chowk here today.
Former minister Raman Bhalla, vice president PCC and general secretary Yogesh Sawhney along with other senior party leaders were present at the function. They congratulated the people of Bangladesh on 50 years of independence while also remembering late Indira Gandhi for playing an important role in the liberation of their country.
The day marks the emergence of the nation as an independent country in 1971 following a nine-month-long bloodstained war of liberation against the Pakistani occupation forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla said that the entire country is joyful for Bangladesh’s 50 years of independence and many more to come. ‘India is also proud because it was one of our own leaders who was Bangladesh’s biggest ally, the Iron Lady, Indira Gandhi. She wanted a democratic Bangladesh. She envisioned a mature, Parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. She wanted Bangladesh to be a part of the community of democratic nations.’, he said.
Indira Gandhi set a precedent for democracy and freedom and openly supported Bangladesh in it’s struggle for freedom from despotic forces of Pakistan. She openly defied Pakistan and the values it stood for on the international podium and helped trigger the birth of a new democracy.
Minister said that the political role of the former Indian Prime Minister in the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 is inseparable from the country’s history. Despite the many ups and downs in Bangladesh politics, Indira Gandhi extended unequivocal support to the people of former East Pakistan.
Yogesh Sawhney said that the Congress party congratulates Bangladesh on 50 years of Independence. After the long struggle of the army, the Bangladeshi civilians and freedom fighters gained their independence. He further stated that Indira Gandhi, the then PM and the able leader of the Congress party played a very important role in the achievement of freedom.
He said victory of 1971 was not just military victory, it was also the victory of humanitarian efforts of the Congress leader and India which sheltered millions of refugees and did not shy away from fighting against Pakistan with full might and force.
Senior party leaders Rajveer Singh, Karan Bhagat, Kapil Singh, Dr Ramakant Khajuria, Sanjeev Sharma, Satish Sharma, Rickey Dalotra, Chandershekhar, Atul Sharma, Vijay Chib and Rakesh Sharma were also present.
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