Jointly organised by Tripura Govt, the Army & Bangladesh AHC
Defence PR
AGARTALA, December 16 2022: The 1971 war has its own special significance as it remains one of the shortest successful wars ever fought. The conflict started on December 3 1971 and within 13 days, Pakistan suffered its worst ever defeat. It resulted in splitting of Pakistan, giving birth to the sovereign nation Bangladesh.
During this operation, Indian Armed Forces forced surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops. The operations ended on December 16 1971 at Dhaka after the unconditional surrender of the Pakistani forces, one of the largest in the military history.
This historic day is being celebrated every year as ‘Vijay Diwas’ in India and ‘Bijoy Dibos’ in Bangladesh. To commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the 1971 War, a solemn Vijay Diwas function was organized at Albert Ekka War Memorial in Agartala by the Red Shield Gunners.
The day commenced with a Wreath Laying Ceremony in the honour of all those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during 1971 war. Wreaths were laid by Dr Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, Station Commander, Agartala Military Station, Sector Commander of Assam Rifles, Chairman, Rajya Sainik Welfare Board and veterans of 1971 war.
Later, a Cultural Evening with patriotic fervour was conducted at Albert Ekka War Memorial to commemorate the day. The event was jointly organised by Tripura Government, Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala and the Indian Army.
It was marked with presence of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha as Chief Guest, Sushanta Choudhury, Minister of Information and Cultural Affairs, Arif Mohammad, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh, number of senior officials from state administration, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, BSF and CRPF, war veterans of 1971 war and citizen of Tripura.
The event also witnessed presence of a large number of school children and NCC cadets. Mesmerizing performances by local artists, cultural team from Bangladesh, students of Army Public School, Agartala, NCC Cadets and Bhangra by India Army troops made the evening memorable.
The Chief Minister, Dr Manik Saha during his address remembered about the 1971 war and role played by valiant people of Tripura during this war. He also praised the role of Mukti Jodhas who fought alongside Indian Armed Forces to achieve their dream of a free Bangladesh.
He further said that India and Bangladesh have a long and lasting friendship which has become stronger with time. He also said that Bangladesh and Tripura are not only geographical neighbours but have deep historical and cultural ties and these relations will only become stronger in times to come.
During the programme Chief Minister felicitated 1971 war veterans in recognition of their invaluable service to the nation and school children who bagged prizes in a Painting Competition organized for children on December 11 2022 to commemorate this historic day.