The Indian Army's Northern Command commemorated Vijay Diwas, which marks India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, with wreath-laying ceremonies led by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar. The Tiger Division also held a ceremony at a war memorial in Jammu, while in Ladakh, the Army paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the 'Hall of Fame' with a solemn ceremony. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian armed forces during the war, and a commitment to protect the sovereignty of the nation.
Vijay Diwas: Commemorating India's Victory in the 1971 War
Background
Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is celebrated annually on December 16 in India to commemorate the country's decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war, which lasted just 13 days, resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
The conflict began when Pakistan launched an offensive against India on December 3, 1971. Pakistan's intention was to quell a growing independence movement in its eastern wing, which later became Bangladesh. India, in support of the Bengali nationalists, responded with a full-scale military intervention against Pakistan.
The Indian Army, led by Chief of Army Staff General Sam Manekshaw, launched a swift and decisive campaign into East Pakistan. Within two weeks, Indian forces had liberated the region and captured over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani commander in East Pakistan, Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi, signed an instrument of surrender at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka, marking India's victory in the war.
Commemoration
Every year, Vijay Diwas is celebrated across India with various events and ceremonies. Wreaths are laid at war memorials to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. Gallantry awards are presented to soldiers who distinguished themselves during the war. Prime Minister and other dignitaries pay homage to the martyrs and address the nation on this occasion.
In 2022, the Northern Command of the Indian Army commemorated Vijay Diwas with wreath-laying ceremonies in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Tiger Division held a ceremony at a war memorial in Jammu, while in Ladakh, the Army paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the 'Hall of Fame' with a solemn ceremony.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of Vijay Diwas? Vijay Diwas commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh. It is a day to honor the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and to reaffirm the country's commitment to protecting its sovereignty.
2. When and how did the 1971 war start? The war began on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched an offensive against India to suppress the independence movement in East Pakistan. India responded with a full-scale military intervention to support the Bengali nationalists.
3. How long did the 1971 war last? The war lasted only 13 days, ending with Pakistan's surrender on December 16, 1971.
4. What was the outcome of the 1971 war? India's victory in the war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. India also gained control of over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers who were captured in East Pakistan.
5. How is Vijay Diwas celebrated today? Vijay Diwas is celebrated across India with various events and ceremonies, including wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, gallantry awards presentations, and speeches by dignitaries.
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