Defence Services Welfare Minister of Punjab, Janmeja Singh Sekhon on Wednesday paid tributes to martyrs on Vijay Diwas. On the 44th Anniversary of ‘Vijay Diwas’, the Minister saluted the bravery of Indian Armed forces and exhorted army men to rededicate themselves in the service of the nation. He said, “Today on December 16, the country salutes the martyrs of 1971 Indo-Pak war”.
Every year, December 16 is celebrated as ‘Vijay Diwas’ marking the military victory of India over Pakistan during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. This war culminated with the liberation of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, on 16 December 1971 and the historic surrender of over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers.
Brig Jatinder Singh Arora (Retd), Director Defence Services Welfare Punjab said we have many examples of such brave hearts who fought this war, the tallest being Brig Sant Singh, MVC & Bar who was the first among the Indian forces to enter Dhaka.
“We are lucky and fortunate to have amongst such war heroes off 1971 war such as Brig KS Chandpuri, MVC, Brig NS Sandhu, MVC, Col Bjwa, VrC and lt Gen AS Sihota, VrC who fought the war on the Western front at Dera Baba Nanak and longewal. They are and will always remain source of inspiration for the generations to come,” he said.
Brig Arora said that Punjab has always produced sons, who have defended the Motherland with their blood.