Antony to lead nation in paying homage on Vijay Diwas

New Delhi, Dec 14 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony will lead the nation on Vijay Diwas on Saturday in paying homage to the brave soldiers who died fighting for the country during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate will be thrown open to the public on Vijay Diwas to pay their respects.

It was on this day in 1971 that the Indian Army, the Air Force and the Navy together achieved a historic victory over the Pakistani forces, leading to the formation of Bangladesh.

It was also on this day that the largest military surrender after World War II took place, when the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora accepted the instrument of surrender from Lt Gen A A K Niazi of the Pakistan Army at Dhaka.

To commemorate the occasion, a series of events have been organised.

These will begin with the Defence Minister paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at 1000 hrs along with Minister of State for Defence Production Rao Inderjit Singh and the three Service Chiefs.

The Ministers and the three Service Chiefs will also interact with school children at India Gate.

Thereafter, a cultural programme will be presented by the NCC Cadets followed by a Tri-Service band display at the National Stadium. There will also be a dog show.

In the evening, Tri-Service Band concert will take place at India Gate from 1730 hrs to 1900 hrs. The performance will also be held on December 15 and 17.

On December 16, the public can light candles in memory of the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti. They can also pay floral tributes there from 1100 hrs onwards. The flower petals and candles will be provided to the public at the site.

UNI YJ SHB ND1636