Homage paid to martyrs of 1971 war on Vijay Diwas

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, showering 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.

He said the government was committed to providing world-class infrastructure and training support to the Armed Forces to improve the combat efficiency and leadership skills of the soldiers.

India Gate saw a flury 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.

A Tri-Service Band concert was held yesterday at India Gate from 1730 hrs to 1900 hrs. The performance will be repeated today and tomorrow as well.

It was on this day in 1971 that the Indian Army, the Air Force and the Navy together won 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. About 90,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down their arms 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.

UNI YJ VD HT1642