Prime Minister Narendra Modi today joined nation in remembering the 50 years of victory of Indian armed forces against Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war that had led to the birth of Bangladesh in 1971 on December 16.
Paying tributes to country’s brave soldiers who laid their lives in 1971 war, Modi said he paid tributes to great valour and sacrifice of Yodhas and Baranganas and brave hearts of Indian armed forces. Together, we fought and defeated oppressive forces. Rashpatiji’s presence in Dhaka today is of special significance to every Indian, he tweeted.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh cited the copy of instrument of surrender signed by Indian GOC Eastern command Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora and Lt Gen Abdul Khan Niazi, commander eastern Pakistan on December 16, 1971.
Home Minister Amit Shah said nation remembers the amazing courage of the Indian soldiers and valour on the 50the Swarnim anniversary. He said in 1971 Indian army defeated the enemies and protected human values and adding a new chapter in the history of India.
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said it was largest surrender after World War II in the history after Pakistan lost its half of nation in 1971 and its 93000 troops surrendered before India army in public. Under the abled leadership of Indira Gandhi Indian armed forces changed the map of the region, he said.
All the Chief Ministers of Himalayan states, including Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also paid tributes to the soldiers of India armed forces on the 50 years of Vijay Divas.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tributes to the brave hearts of Indian armed forces and renamed the Sainya Dham after CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, who along with his wife and 11 other soldiers had died on December 8, in the IAF helicopter crash in Kateri near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
Indian Air Force and Indian Armed Forces also congratulated all countrymen on the occasion of 50th anniversary of victory over Pakistan in 1971 and paid tributes to brave soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.