A large number of civil dignitaries, ex-servicemen and service personnel participated in the ‘Vijay Diwas’ celebrations at Udhampur-based Northern Command Headquarters and paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives in Indo-Pak war of 1971, Defence Spokesman of Northern Command Col S D Goswami said.
“16 December each year is celebrated as Vijay Diwas to commemorate India’s historic victory over Pakistan. The swift and professionally planned operations executed by the Indian Armed Forces led to one of the greatest military victories recorded in the annals of world history,” Col Goswami said.
The Northern Command commemorated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony at Dhurva War Memorial by Lt Gen DS Hooda, GOC-in-C (Army Commander).
In his special message Army Commander highlighted the role of the Indian Armed forces in achieving major military victories in the 1971 war.
On the occasion, Lt Gen Hooda exhorted all ranks of the Northern Command to rededicate themselves in the service of the nation and emulate the devotion and resoluteness of war veterans and martyrs, which has brought the Indian Army to the pinnacle of professional glory.
On Dec 16, 1971, the largest military surrender after World War II took place at Dhaka when the General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora accepted the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops from Lt Gen AAK Niazi of the Pakistan Army, Col Goswami said.
This glorious day in the annals of history of the Indian Army was made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of valiant soldiers during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The Indian Army changed the course of history with its undeterred courage, dedication and professionalism, bringing glory and honour to the Nation, Col Goswami said.
PTI