AMRITSAR: Panther Division celebrated Vijay Diwas in Amritsar Military Station on Wednesday to commemorate the victory of India against East Pakistan in 1971. Gallant soldiers of the Indian Army made the supreme sacrifice while defending the frontiers of the motherland in one of the most challenging circumstances and inhospitable terrain.

Veterans from Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts attended the event. A floral wreath was laid at the Panther Inspirational Park by general officer commanding, Panther Division. Wreath laying was also done by veterans, serving army officers and other ranks as a tribute to the martyrs.

A 24-men guard honoured the martyrs and was followed by the poignant note of Last Post sounded by the buglers. Similar functions were also held at Dera Baba Nanak (DBN) and Batala War Memorials. The general officer commanding, Panther Division, expressed that the sacrifice and professionalism displayed by veterans would always remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.Army release informed that in 1971 Indo-Pak war, Panther Division under the able and gallant leadership of major general BM Bhattacharjee fought the Battles of ‘Dera Baba Nanak’ (DBN) and ‘Fatehpur Burj’. The gallant soldiers of 10 DOGRA, 1/9 GR, 17 RAJPUT and 71 Armd Regt proved their mettle and gave an unforgettable feel of their steely grit and determination to the enemy. On December 6 1971, the Panther Division had the proud privilege of hoisting the first Tricolour in the captured territory of Western Pakistan. The division earned one MahaVir Chakra, one Vir Chakra, three Sena Medal and four mentions in dispatches for the gallant action.