VIJAY DIWAS 2022: EASTERN COMMAND GEARS UP FOR ANNUAL HOMAGE TO THE VALIANT HEROES OF  INDIA AND BANGLADESH WHO TOOK PART IN  THE WAR OF LIBERATION-1971

06 December 2022, Kolkata

          16 Dec is celebrated as Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces along with Mukti-Bahini over Pakistan. The creation of Bangladesh was a consequence of the continued oppression of the Bengali population in East Bengal by the political leaders of what was then West Pakistan right from its inception in 1947. What started as a peaceful demand for equal rights transformed into strikes, protests and demonstrations against the East Pakistan Government as the disenchantment of the populace intensified. As a result, Pakistan government resorted to unrelenting atrocities on civilians, leading to a large refugee influx into India. On 03 Dec 1971, Pakistan launched a series of air strikes on Indian territory thus starting a war which led to a historic military victory and resulted in Pakistan ceding control of then East Pakistan thus paving the way for the birth of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh. This day marks the culmination of an epic war unparalleled in history, when India stood against the tide of times and fought for the principles of “Freedom and Equality” that helped millions of Bangladeshis realise their cherished dream of an independent nation. Vijay Diwas epitomizes the resolve of our Nation and the valour of our men in uniform many of whom made the supreme sacrifice in the true traditions of the Armed Forces. This great military achievement would not have been possible without the help and support of the Mukti-Jodhas and the population of Bangladesh who made immense sacrifices and had to bear inhuman deprivation and sufferings during the war.

          Eastern Command has traditionally been celebrating this day as a mark of respect to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed forces and Mukti-Jodhas who made this victory possible. This year as is the norm a Bangladeshi delegation of Mukti-Jodhas and their families along with serving senior Bangladesh Armed Forces officers are participating in the celebrations at Fort William, Kolkata. To mark this solemn occasion a number of events are being planned this year which are:-