PM Modi, Rajnath Singh Remember Heroes Of 1971 War On 50th Anniversary

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes at the National War Memorial in Delhi this morning to the heroes of the 1971 war to mark the 50th anniversary of India’s win on Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. PM Modi lit up a “Swarnim Vijay Mashaal” at the eternal flame of of the National War Memorial.

Vijay Diwas marks India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971, which resulted in the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of the new state of Bangladesh. On this day in 1971, the Chief of the Pakistani Forces General Niazi – along with 93,000 of his soldiers – surrendered to Indian forces.

Four Victory Mashaals (flames) were lit up this morning from the Eternal Flame Of the National War Memorial. “These Mashaals will be carried to various parts of the country including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and MahaVir Chakra Awardees of 1971 War. Soil from the villages of these Awardees and from areas where major battles were fought in 1971 are being brought to the National War Memorial,” a government statement read earlier.

“Today, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the valour and bravery of the Indian Army. I remember the bravery of the brave soldiers who wrote a new saga of bravery in the 1971 war. Their sacrifice is a source of inspiration for all Indians. Nation will always revere them,” Rajnanth Singh had tweeted earlier.

Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on Twitter: “On this day in 1971, the Indian Army, with its indomitable courage and valour, made a historic change on the world map, protecting the universal values of human freedom. This mark with golden letters in history will continue to make every Indian proud. Happy Vijay Diwas.”

“Today is #VijayDiwas , India marks it’s military victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. 93000 Pak soldiers surrendered. We bow down our heads with gratitude. #VijayDiwas2020,” Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted. 

He also shared a video of the Border Security Forces paying tributes through a relay race. “180 km baton relay race was run by 930 BSF boys and girls in the mid night at international border and completed in less then 11 hours,” read his post, which also had a short clip of the relay race.

Today is #VijayDiwas , India marks it’s military victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. 93000 Pak soldiers surrendered. We bow down our heads with gratitude.#VijayDiwas2020https://t.co/VPWWr3e5HH

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 16, 2020

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi: “I send my greetings to the people of the country on the anniversary of India’s win over Pakistan in the 1971 war and I also salute the courage of Indian Army. This happened a a time when India’s neighbouring country were aware of the Prime Minister’s bravery and they were afraid of breaching borders.” His tweet was a veiled dig at the government as India’s standoff with China continues in Ladakh.