India Salutes Fallen Soldiers Of Bangladesh Liberation War 1971.

Vijay Diwas is observed every year on December 16 as a mark of victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that also led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday(16 December) 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. pic.twitter.com/ERHoWF6GxF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2020

Prime Minister Modi lit the 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaal' at the National War Memorial on Wednesday to mark the 50th-anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The Prime Minister paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at National War Memorial.

He was received by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the venue. On this occasion, the Defence Minister unveiled the logo for 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh.'

Four 'Victory Mashaals' (flames) lit from the Eternal Flame of National War Memorial will be carried to various parts of the country including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of 1971 war.

In one of the fastest and shortest campaigns of military history, a new nation was born as a result of the swift campaign undertaken by the Indian Army.

History of Vijay Diwas

The 1971 Indo-Pak war lasted for almost 13 days and ended on December 16. Pakistan's Army Chief General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi surrendered before the Indian Army and Mukti-Bahini leading to the creation of a new state in India's east called Bangladesh. Gen. Niazi surrendered along with his 93,000 Pakistani troops. Bangladesh also celebrates its Independence Day (Bijoy Diwas) on December 16 annually. Since then, the day is observed as Vijay Diwas.

Importance of Vijay Diwas

On this day, the nation pays tribute to brave soldiers of India and Bangladesh who laid down their lives in the line of duty and those who took part in the Liberation War.

The 'liberation war' in the then East Pakistan was initiated after Pakistan ill-treated its Bengali speaking population and undermined elections results in the region. The then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had expressed India's full support for the liberation war in Bangladesh.

Taj Mahal Camouflaged

Migrant influx

According to reports, there were reports of a massacre of Bengali especially Hindus by the Pakistan army. At least 10 million people were forced to migrate to India during the war. Other reports also suggested that the iconic Taj Mahal was camouflaged by leaves during the war to save it from any Pakistani attacks.