Eastern Command chief pays tribute to martyrs at Vijay Smarak

As part of Vijay Diwas 2015, commemorating the victory of Indian Forces and Mukti Bahini over Pakistani forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, a memorial service for martyrs of 1971 War was held at Vijay Smarak, Fort William, Kolkata, on 16 December 2015.

Vijay Diwas celebrations at Fort William, Eastern Command assume a special significance as Mukti Jodhas and Indian war veterans who fought shoulder to shoulder reunite to celebrate this momentous occasion in history.

This year 30 Mukti Jodhas attended the solemn occasion led by HE Md Qamrul Islam, Food Minister, Bangladesh. The Mukti Jodhas have been coming to attend the annual celebrations for the last nine years.

On the occasion, Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army that was responsible for conduct of operations in Bangladesh along with the Mukti Bahini, laid a Wreath at the Vijay Smarak.

Wreaths were also laid by veterans, members of the Bangladeshi delegation and by representatives of the three services.

The gathering of uniformed personnel, veterans, civilians, school children and NCC cadets observed two minutes silence to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1971 war.

Similar ceremonies were held in various parts of the country commemorating 'Vijay Diwas'.