NEW DELHI, Dec 16: India and Bangladesh on Wednesday celebrated “Vijay Diwas,” the victory of the Indian army over the Pakistani forces on this day in 1971 that led to the creation of the independent country of Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial in Delhi to mark the 50th-anniversary celebration of India’s victory in 1971 Indo Pakistan War, After the event, Modi tweeted, “On Vijay Diwas we recall the unwavering courage of our armed forces that resulted in a decisive victory for our nation in the 1971 war. On this special Vijay Diwas, had the honour of lighting the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial.”
The Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar also tweeted, “salute the brave warriors of Indian Armed Forces on #VijayDiwas. Their service and sacrifice during the 1971 War shall always be remembered”.
Jaishankar also extended his wishes to Bangladesh on the occasion of its 50th Independence. In a tweet message, he stated, “Extend my warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Bangladesh on Bijoy Dibosh. Led by Bangabandhu, Bangladesh’s historic struggle and sacrifice will continue to be an inspiration for those fighting oppression and genocide”.
In a tweet, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka congratulated Bangladesh on the Vijay Diwas, “on behalf of the people of #India to the people of #Bangladesh, greetings on Vijay Diwas.
A squad of 58 “Mukti Jodhas” and their families along with serving officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces reached Kolkata at the invitation of Eastern Command, Indian Army, to be a part of this year’s Vijay Diwas. This morning the guests from Bangladesh were taken round the historic sites to re-live their memories.
In a sequence of tweet messages, the Eastern Command, IA stated “ Defeated fair and square Lt Gen AAK Niazi, Cdr Pak Army Eastern Command surrendered & signed the Instrument of Surrender at 1631 IST on 16 Dec & a new nation Bangladesh was born. Jai Hind. Joi Bangla”. “Swagata event org in honour of Mukti Jodhas and War Veterans of #Indian Army comprising inspiring Bangladesh liberation movie, motivating speeches by dignitaries and scintillating cultural display at Fort William, Kolkata
India and Bangladesh are, expected to inaugurate a new railway line connecting West Bengal with Chilahati across the border. The prime ministers of the two countries are also scheduled to have detailed bilateral discussions on hosts of issues relating to India Bangladesh relations at a virtual summit on Thursday.
(Venkatesh Iyer)
