Vijay Diwas observed at Chandimandir

As part of the Vijay Diwas commemorations, a wreath-laying ceremony was organised at Veer Smriti war memorial, Chandimandir military station, to pay homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Serving officers as well as veterans, including past Army Commanders and gallantry award winners paid floral tributes to their fallen comrades.

On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched air strikes on Indian airfields, marking the start of the war. India undertook immediate mobilisation of troops and launched a full-scale offensive against both East and West Pakistan. The 13-day war resulted in the birth of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation with the surrender of more than 90,000 Pakistan army personnel.

In this war, Western Command troops were awarded two Param Vir Chakras and 46 Maha Vir Chakras, in addition to several other gallantry awards, including one Theatre Honour and 11 Battle Honours.

Meanwhile, members of the National Federation of Honorary Commissioned Officers organised a homage paying ceremony in Chandigarh.