Face2News/Chandigarh
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, Western Command marked the commemoration of Vijay Diwas by laying a wreath at Veer Smriti in Chandimandir. He paid homage to all the Bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice in the service of the Nation during 1971 war. Serving officers, veterans including previous Army Commanders and gallantry award winners joined in paying tributes to their fallen comrades. The silence observed by all present echoed skywards to the martyrs of this great Nation, as an appropriate tribute to their steely resolve.
During this war the Indian Army demonstrated its selflessness and willingness to fight for the worthy cause of liberating a vast section of humanity against oppression and persecution by a barbaric and cold blooded regime.
On 16 December, 1971, the victorious Indian Army marched into Dhaka and liberated East Pakistan. The 13-day war ended with the birth of Bangladesh and a surrender of more than 90,000 Pakistan Army personnel. It is one of the most swift and bravely fought military campaigns.
While the Eastern Army ensured an abject surrender, the same was hastened and made possible by severe battles on the Western Front fought by the Western Command troops. As Guardians of the West, the troops ensured that the adversary suffered heavily on the Western Front too. Some of the fiercest battles were fought at Longewala, Basantar, Burj Fatehpur and Sehjra, to name just a few.
In this war, Western Command troops were awarded two Param Vir Chakras and 46 Maha Vir Chakras, in addition to several other gallantry awards and Battle Honours.
Vijay Diwas epitomises the bravery of Indian troops, their exemplary combat skills and determination against all odds. In remembering those who gave their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, the braves of today pledged to uphold those very traits in the years ahead.
