‘VIJAY DIWAS’ Observed to Mark India’s Victory in Indo-Pak War 1971 held in City
Mangaluru: “To commemorate India’s victory in the Indo-Pak War 1971, ‘VIJAY DIWAS’ was observed, under the joint aegis of DK District Ex-Servicemen’s Association, on 16 December 2023 at the War Memorial, Kadri hills, (opposite Kadri Police Station), Mangaluru at 9 am, to pay the respects to those intrepid soldiers who fought for the country and laid down their lives in the line of duty. Flowers and wreaths will be laid as respect to these soldiers by various dignitaries.
Dignitaries present for the occasion were Mullai Muhilan-DK Deputy Commissioner; who was the Chief guest; Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal; Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner C L Anand; DK Superintendent of Police C B Ryshyanth; DCP (Law & Order) Siddarth Goyal; DIG Praveen Kumar Mishra-Commander, Indian Coast Guard-Karnataka; Col N K Bhagasra- Commander, NCC Group HQ-Mangaluru; among others. The dignitaries paid tributes to the intrepid soldiers by laying Wreaths/Floral tributes, followed by Bugle’s Call for ‘Last Post” and “Rouse”.
The significance of the Day was briefed by Col N Sharath Bhandary, where he said, “Pakistan Armed Forces, police and civilians, numbering about 93,000, under the Command of Pakistani Lt Gen AAK Niazi, surrendered to Lt Gen J S Arora of Indian Army at Ramna Race Course, Dhaka, Capital of erstwhile East Pakistan, on 16 Dec 1971, after a short war of 13 days ( 03 Dec to 16 Dec 1971 ). This historic event paved the way for the formation of the Independent country of Bangladesh. Sri Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, became the founder Prime Minister of Bangladesh,” added Col. Bhandary.
He further said, “East Pakistan was a province of Pakistan since independence. In response to Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s call for independent Bangladesh, after the electoral victory, Pakistan launched ‘Operation Search Light’, on 26th March 1971 to crush the freedom movement. This led to an influx of refugees and border tensions. Pakistan, in an effort to release the Indian pressure on East Pakistan, opened a new front as a diversionary tactic on the Indian Western borders, by a preemptive attack on India on 3rd December 1971 under the codename “Operation Chenghiz Khan”. In these operations, India had made substantial gains on Pakistan by capturing nearly 14,000 Sq Km of their territory, in the western theatre.”
“In July 1972, after talks between our then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi and Pakistan Prime Minister Sri Z A Bhutto, the Shimla Pact was formalized as an agreement under which the captured territory of 13,000 Sq Km and Prisoners Of War were returned to Pakistan. Some territories notably Kargil, were retained for strategic purposes. Force Level: India – 3 X Corps, Mukti Bahini – 3 X Brigades, Pakistan – 3 X Divisions; Casualties: India – 1,426 killed and 3,611 wounded; Pakistan – 8,000 killed and 10,000 wounded (Estimated); Surrender: 56,694 Armed Forces, 12,192 Police, 24,114 Civilians (Total – 93,000). Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra – 4 (Mahavir Chakra – 54), L/Nk Albert Ekka, 14 Guards –Posthumus; 2/Lt Arun Khetrapal, 14 Poona Horse– Posthumous; Flg Offr Nirmal Sekhon, 18 Squadron, IAF– Posthumous Major Hoshiar Singh, 3 Grenadiers — Living ” added Col Bhandary.
Brig I N Rai also spoke about his life in the Army and all the struggles they faced fighting the enemies. Speaking on the occasion, DK Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan said, ” We need to salute our Brave Hearts for their sacrifice in bringing freedom to us, and we need to appreciate the service and struggle put in by Brig I N Rai in facing the enemies in such treacherous weather. our soldiers gave their lives for the nation. India has always stood for humanity and the world knows it. We stood against global power. We need to salute those brave hearts, who sacrificed everything for the protection of the motherland, and who put the nation first and did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for it”
“We bow our heads in respect to the brave soldiers who braved treacherous terrains to safeguard our borders. Their courage is a shining example of patriotism. Our brave soldiers ensured that India remained protected and gave a befitting answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace. Today when a country faces danger from various fronts, it is imperative for every citizen to gear up towards national service. As we commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, we stand in awe of our soldiers’ unparalleled commitment and valour. Let’s pledge to uphold their legacy by working towards a strong and united India” added DC.new
Also speaking on the occasion, Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal said, “.Brig I N Rai’s narration of his war life gave us an insight into how soldiers faced life on a battlefield, and we need to commend Brig Rai for his heroic efforts. We need to pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in our hearts. Let’s bow to the brave hearts of our armed forces on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. On this day our soldiers won a glorious victory against Pakistani forces in 1971 and secured the dignity of life, women and human values, as a consequence of which a new nation Bangladesh was formed. We need to be proud of our Armed Forces who have fearlessly protected our country in every circumstance. Their sacrifice and service should be remembered and appreciated”.
Capt Deepak Adyanthaya proposed the vote of thanks and Capt Vikramdatta eloquently compered the programme. In conclusion, Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the valour and sacrifices of our soldiers. Let’s honor their memory by promoting peace and unity within our nation, and never take our freedom for granted. Let’s extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of our brave soldiers who stood strong and supported them through thick and thin. Their sacrifice is equally commendable. Let’s renew our commitment to the ideals our soldiers fought for – freedom, unity, and the sovereignty of our nation. Their valorous acts will forever guide us. Let’s remember these War heroes and the lessons they taught us – to never compromise on our nation’s integrity and to stand united against all odds. Saluting their spirit and dedication.