Chandimandir, 17 December 2024— To honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, a wreath laying ceremony was held at the Veer Smriti memorial on Vijay Diwas.
The solemn event saw the participation of serving officers, military veterans, including former army commanders, and gallantry award recipients, all paying their respects to the fallen soldiers.
The war began on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched air strikes, known as Operation Chengiz Khan, on Indian airfields in north-western India, marking the onset of the conflict. In response, India mobilized troops and initiated a full-scale offensive in both East and West Pakistan.
The 13-day war culminated in the creation of Bangladesh and the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers. While the Eastern Command’s forces played a crucial role in securing the surrender, the battles fought by the Western Command were instrumental in hastening the outcome.
The Western Command troops engaged in some of the war’s fiercest combat, notably at Longewala, Basantar, Burj, Fatehpur, and Sehjra.
The valor displayed during these battles was recognized with the award of two Param Vir Chakras and 46 Maha Vir Chakras, along with several other gallantry honors, including one theatre honor and 11 battle honors.
The ceremony was a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the 1971 conflict and a tribute to the historic victory that led to the birth of Bangladesh.