Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit up ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ to begin the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War today.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the logo for ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’.
“I’d like to say there’ve been no major intrusions or face-offs in Eastern Command area since friction in Ladakh. Post-Galwan incident, mutual trust on LAC between us and Chinese PLA evaporated and will take time to stabilize,” said GoC Eastern Command Lt Gen Anil Chauhan.
“In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic Victory over Pakistan Army, which led to the creation of a Nation – Bangladesh and also resulted in the largest Military Surrender after World War – II. From 16 December, the Nation will be celebrating 50 Years of Indo-Pak War, also called ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. Various commemorative events are planned across the Nation,” the government said in its release.
The event was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, and Indian Air Force Chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.
The prime minister, chief of defense staff, and Tri-Service chiefs laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen soldiers.
Four Victory Mashaals were lit from the Eternal Flame of NWM and will now be carried to various parts of the country including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra Awardees of 1971 War.