Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 to honour the triumph of Mukti-Bahini and the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan. Bangladesh came into being as a result of the political elites of what was then West Pakistan persecuting the Bengali community in East Bengal from the country’s founding in 1947. As public dissatisfaction grew, what began as a nonviolent demand for equal rights evolved into strikes, rallies, and demonstrations against the East Pakistani government. Consequently, the government of Pakistan committed ceaseless crimes against civilians, which resulted in a significant influx of refugees into India. Pakistan began launching airstrikes on Indian territory on December 3, 1971, which sparked a war that ended in a historic military triumph and saw Pakistan give up sovereignty of what was then East Pakistan, allowing Bangladesh to become an independent nation. On this day in history, an epic conflict that was unmatched in scope came to a conclusion when India defied the flow of change and battled for the ideals of “Freedom and Equality,” which allowed millions of Bangladeshis to realize their long-held desire for their own country. Vijay Diwas is the personification of our country’s commitment and the bravery of our men in uniform, many of whom gave their lives in keeping with the real traditions of the armed forces. Without the assistance and support of the Mukti-Joddhas and the people of Bangladesh, who made tremendous sacrifices and endured inhumane hardships during the conflict, this outstanding military victory would not have been possible.
In remembrance of the Mukti-Joddhas who made this triumph possible and the dead heroes of the Indian armed forces, Eastern Command has been commemorating this day for years. As is customary, senior Bangladesh Armed Forces officers who are currently serving will be joining a group of Mukti-Joddhas and their families from Bangladesh to celebrate at Fort William in Kolkata. To mark this solemn occasion a number of events are being planned this year.
Source: HQ,Eastern Command
