ITANAGAR, Dec 16 - Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig Dr BD Mishra (retd) today said that there must be strong political will and leadership, coupled with full defence preparedness, for India to become a stronger nation.
�India must be militarily strong,� stated the Governor while presiding over a one-day national e-conclave organised by the Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) at Doimukh to commemorate the Vijay Diwas. The theme of the conclave was �Recalling the valour of Indian Armed Forces and ending the genocide by the Pakistan Army in Bangladesh on 16th December, 1971�.
The Governor recalled the Indo-Pak war in which he had participated, and said that success in the war was due to the free hand given to the Army by the political leadership, adequate preparation time and leadership by General (later Field Marshal) Sam Manekshaw.
The chief guest, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, said that the 1971 Indo-Pak war was one of the biggest victories ever recorded by the Indian Army.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who was the guest of honour, said that there could be no better way of heralding the spirit of �New India� than recalling one of the nation�s finest wins, a testament to its military prowess and superiority.
Special guest Air Marshal Pranab Kumar Barbora (retd), former Vice Chief of the Air Staff and former Chancellor of the RGU, shared his experiences as a newly commissioned fighter pilot stationed at the Tezpur Air Force Station during the war.
Lt Gen RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Corps, delivered the keynote address. Highlighting the key role of the Indian Army in the 13-day war, Lt Gen Kalita recalled the exceptional valour and sacrifice of some personnel of the force.
RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha and Registrar Dr NT Rikam also spoke on the occasion.
Shillong Staff Correspondent adds: The Indian Army and the BSF on Wednesday celebrated the Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Indo-Pak War of 1971. The victory ensured the birth of Bangladesh out of East Pakistan.
The 49th edition of the Vijay Diwas was celebrated at 101 Area here. Lieutenant General Tumul Varma, General Officer Commanding, 101 Area, laid a wreath on the Rhino War Memorial.
The war holds a special significance for the 101 Area as it was part of the operations in East Pakistan and has the unique distinction of being the �first Indian formation to enter Dacca (Dhaka) on 16 December, 1971�.
The war also holds special significance for the BSF as the border guards under Late BS Tyagi, Commandant, exhibited exemplary courage while taking on a numerically superior Pakistan Army near Killapara in West Garo Hills district with only a handful of men.
The valiant action on the part of BSF jawans denied Pak troops strategic control over the Dalu-Tura Road. The BSF jawans fought valiantly and repulsed two enemy attacks. Nine BSF personnel laid down their lives in this battle.
On the occasion, Hardeep Singh, Inspector General, BSF Meghalaya, exchanged sweets and greetings with Border Guards Bangladesh at Dawki. BSF officers at Tura paid floral tribute at the Killapara war memorial in honour of those who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 war.
Aizawl Correspondent adds: Recalling India�s military victory over Pakistan in the war of 1971, a wreath laying programme was held at the War Memorial, Treasury Square, in Aizawl on Wednesday.
Those who attended the ceremony included leaders of the Mizoram Ex-Services League, president of the World War-II Veteran Association, Assam Rifles officials, ex-servicemen and Sainik Department officials.
The Aizawl Battalion of the Assam Rifles organised a series of events on the occasion, which included weapons display, screening of movie and drawing/poem/wrist band making for kids. The events were attended by 103 villagers, including 45 children.
Imphal Correspondent adds: Manipur on Wednesday joined the rest of the country in paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
The State-level function was held at the banquet hall of the 1st Battalion, Manipur Rifles, in Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice won the war that liberated Bangladesh, adding even many from Manipur took part in it.
Stating that Indian Armed Forces are one of the most powerful in the world, Biren Singh asserted that it is now capable of handling any type of external aggression. He added that the people should extend physical and moral support to the armed forces.
The Chief Minister said armed forces are performing well in Manipur too. He said that the State security forces are working in good coordination with the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, etc..
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar also spoke on the occasion.
Ministers, MLAs, Administrative Secretaries, heads of departments, high-ranking civil and police officials also attended the function.
