Indian, Bangladeshi delegations to participate in 1971 war victory celebrations

A 72-member delegation from Bangladesh will participate in Vijay Diwas celebrations to be organised by the Indian Army's Eastern Command to commemorate the Indian armed forces' victory in the 1971 war, an Army official said on Sunday.

He said a 30-member delegation from India, including four serving defence officers, will join in an event in Bangladesh capital Dhaka to commemorate the Indian victory in the India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh, which was earlier called East Pakistan.

The Bangladeshi delegation will comprise senior Army officers, Mukti Joddhas (freedom fighters) and MPs.

"The Indian delegation will include -- apart from two serving officers from the Indian Army and one each from Indian Air Force and Indian Navy -- war veterans and other dignitaries," Major General R. Nagraj of Eastern Command Headquarters said.

December 16 is celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh and Vijay Diwas in India. About 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, on this day in 1971, surrendered to the Indian forces.

The Vijay Diwas celebrations will commence here on December 13 with the arrival of a Bangladeshi delegation in the city. A host of events have been scheduled for the celebrations in Kolkata, including a military band concert and a horse show.

On December 16, wreaths would be laid at the Vijay Smarak or the Victory Memorial by members of both countries.

--IANS

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