Grateful nations pays homage to martyrs of 1971

New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) A grateful nation paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Indo-Pak war on Vijay Diwas today.

In a poignant ceremony at India Gate, Defence Minister A K Antony and the three Service Chiefs laid wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti in memory of the brave soldiers who died fighting for the country 35 years ago.

Indian Air Force helicopters, flying the ensigns of the three services and the National Flag, flew past and showered petals on the assembled people.

Two minute silence was observed after the buglers sounded the 'Last Post' in memory of the martyrs.

Mr Antony also interacted with some school children at India Gate.

Addressing the function, the Defence Minister said the Armed Forces had provided an environment which helped the country to emerge as one of the leading economic and military powers of the world, and asserted that the government was committed to providing world-class infrastructure and training support to them to improve the combat efficiency and leadership skills of the soldiers.

India Gate saw a flurry of activities as people thronged Amar Jawan Jyoti to offer floral tributes to the martyrs.

A cultural programme was presented by NCC cadets at National Stadium. It was followed by Tri-Service Band Display and Dog Show.

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, leading to the largest military surrender after World War II took place. Over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down their arms when the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora accepted the surrender of Pakistan Army's Lt Gen A A K Niazi and his troops at Dhaka.

In Chandigarh, Western Command's GOC-in-C Lt Gen Daljeet Singh and a number of decorated war veterans, including Brig (retd) Kuldip Singh Chandpuri of the Longewala battle fame, laid wreaths at the Command war memorial 'Veer Smriti' at Chandimandir. A commemorative function was also held at the IAF base where the AOC, 12 Wing laid a wreath at the Air Force Station War Memorial.

In Chennai, GOC, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka Area Maj Gen B Sivasankar placed a wreath at the War Memorial near Napier Bridge to mark the occasion.

A Wreath laying ceremony was held at the Shillong War Memorial, near the residence of GOC 101 Area.

Lt General Paramjit Singh, Director General of Assam Rifles, laid the wreath on behalf of the Army while Air Vice-Marshal J S Gandyok of Eastern Air Command laid wreath on behalf of Air Force. Wreaths were also laid by Major General Vinod Nayanar, GOC 101 Area and Brigadier (Retd) WJB Sturgeon.

A function was also held at Bhopal in which a number of veterans of the 1965 and 1971 wars participated.

UNI TEAM VD AT VV1710