On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, India and Bangladesh commemorated the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force paid their respects at the Army Headquarters Eastern Command in Kolkata, along with their counterparts from the Bangladesh Army. To celebrate this joint victory, eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers have arrived in Dhaka while eight Bangladeshi freedom fighters and two serving officers are in Kolkata to participate in the annual exchange of war veterans and attend the Vijay Diwas celebrations.
Vijay Diwas: Commemorating India's Triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War
Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16th each year, marks a significant milestone in Indian history, commemorating the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. This war played a pivotal role in the liberation of Bangladesh and the establishment of its independence.
Background:
Tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated in the 1960s and 1970s due to political and economic disputes. The situation reached a boiling point in 1971 when the Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown against the Bengali-speaking population of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Faced with a humanitarian crisis, India intervened on December 3, 1971, launching a swift and decisive military campaign.
Indo-Pakistan War of 1971:
The war lasted for 13 days and witnessed fierce fighting on both sides. The Indian Armed Forces, led by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, launched a multi-pronged offensive, targeting both East and West Pakistan. The Indian Air Force achieved air superiority early in the conflict, while the Indian Navy blockaded Pakistani ports.
On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan surrendered unconditionally, marking a decisive victory for India. The war resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh and the establishment of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the first Prime Minister of the new nation.
Vijay Diwas: A Symbol of Indo-Bangladeshi Friendship:
Vijay Diwas holds immense significance for both India and Bangladesh. It symbolizes the deep bond between the two countries and the shared sacrifice of their soldiers in the war. To commemorate this victory, India and Bangladesh observe Vijay Diwas jointly, with events and ceremonies held in both nations.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What is the significance of Vijay Diwas? A: Vijay Diwas commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
2. Why is Vijay Diwas celebrated jointly by India and Bangladesh? A: To honor the shared sacrifice of Indian and Bangladeshi soldiers during the war and to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
3. Who was the leader of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1971 war? A: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army during the war.
4. What was the role of the Indian Navy and Air Force in the war? A: The Indian Navy blockaded Pakistani ports, while the Indian Air Force achieved air superiority and provided crucial support to ground troops.
5. How long did the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War last? A: The war lasted for 13 days, from December 3 to December 16, 1971.
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