Nation honors brave soldiers who secured decisive 1971 victory
On Tuesday, a solemn atmosphere enveloped the National War Memorial as India commemorated the 54th Vijay Diwas. This historic day marks the decisive triumph of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in 1971, a victory that redrew the map of South Asia and led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the nation in paying homage to the fallen soldiers. He was accompanied by the country's top military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Together, the dignitaries approached the eternal flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. In a moving gesture of respect, they laid a white wreath to honour the supreme sacrifices made by the bravehearts who fought during the 1971 conflict. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the courage displayed by the armed forces half a century ago.
The History of a Decisive Victory
The significance of Vijay Diwas is rooted in the events of December 16, 1971. On that afternoon, at exactly 1631 hours IST, the Eastern Command of the Pakistan Army, led by Lt Gen AAK Niazi, publicly acknowledged defeat. This surrender marked the end of the war and the birth of a new sovereign nation, Bangladesh.
Following the defeat, the Pakistani leadership agreed to a total surrender of their Eastern Command. Lt Gen Niazi signed the "Instrument of Surrender" in the presence of Lieutenant-General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the joint India and Bangladesh forces in the Eastern Theatre.
Terms of the Historic Surrender
The capitulation was comprehensive. It involved not just infantry, but the complete surrender of Pakistani naval, air, and land forces, alongside paramilitary units and civil armed forces. Under the terms agreed upon, these troops were ordered to lay down their weapons at their current locations under the command of Lt Gen Aurora.
The agreement stipulated that immediately upon signing, the Pakistan Eastern Command fell under the direct orders of the Indian command. Any refusal to comply would be treated as a breach of surrender terms, subject to the laws of war.
However, displaying the professional ethics of the Indian Army, Lt Gen Aurora guaranteed that all surrendering personnel would be treated with dignity. The "Instrument of Surrender" assured that soldiers would be handled in strict accordance with the Geneva Convention, ensuring the safety of all military and paramilitary forces. Furthermore, protection was promised to foreign nationals, ethnic minorities, and personnel of West Pakistani origin.
Since that monumental day, December 16 has been annually observed as Vijay Diwas, a day to remember the valour that secured one of India's greatest military victories.
