Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 16

Vijay Diwas was observed at the headquarters of the Western Command, Chandimandir, to commemorate the victory of the Indian armed forces in the 1971 War against Pakistan, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Over 93,000 Pakistani troops had surrendered before the Indian Army and were taken prisoners of war.

A solemn ceremony was organised at the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir to pay homage to the martyrs who had made a supreme sacrifice during the war.

A wreath was laid at the memorial by Lt Gen Surinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, on behalf of all ranks.

A large number of serving as well as retired officers attended the ceremony at Chandimandir.

On the occasion, the Army Commander exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and be always ready to take to battle on a short notice and be prepared to make any sacrifice.

He said that the Western Command was ever ready not only to defend the nation from its adversaries but also to support the state governments in north India to maintain internal peace, provide humanitarian assistance in case of any disaster and assist military veterans and their families.