Vijay Diwas: Tripura Guv remembers the battle of 1971 and emphasizes neighborhood harmony
Vijay Diwas: On Tuesday, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu emphasized the significance of Vijay Diwas, commemorating the greatest military surrender in history—the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops on December 16, 1971.
The Governor noted that the present state of affairs in Bangladesh was a “temporary phase” and expressed hope that peace and stability would soon return after paying his respects at the Albert Ekka War Memorial on the outskirts of the city on the occasion of the 54th Vijay Diwas festivities.
He emphasized the value of regional harmony by highlighting how a peaceful neighborhood helps both Bangladesh and India. The Indian Army organized the somber occasion.
The occasion honored Tripura’s crucial strategic contribution to India’s resounding victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
In addition to being a vital base of operations for Indian troops, the state housed many refugees escaping atrocities in East Pakistan and liberation fighters from Bangladesh known as the “Mukti Bahini.”
The people of Tripura stood steadfastly with the Indian Army throughout the war, offering unshakable support at one of the most pivotal events of the country’s history, Governor Reddy Nallu remarked in his homage to the fallen.
He recalled the events leading up to the war and said that millions of people had been driven to leave East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh, due to rampant persecution by West Pakistan. India backed the “Mukti Bahini” under the leadership of then-prime minister Indira Gandhi, which led to a resounding victory and Bangladesh’s independence.
The monument is dedicated in honor of Albert Ekka of the 73 Mountain Brigade, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, and the Governor also honored the valor of the infantry battalions who participated in the conflict.
“I express my sincere admiration to all the courageous soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to those who are still serving with courage and dedication on this Vijay Diwas,” he said to the media.
Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, Director General of Police Anurag, General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division, Major General Sameer Sharan Kartikeya, top Army officials, civilians, and veterans attended the event.
In response to questions on recent events in Bangladesh, Governor Nallu reaffirmed that peace and stability in the neighboring nation are still crucial for regional well-being but declined to comment on geopolitical issues, saying it was not the right place.
As officials, Army troops, and people honored the martyrs, there was a powerful demonstration of patriotism during the occasion.
Once again, the Albert Ekka War Memorial served as a powerful representation of bravery, selflessness, and Tripura’s lasting contribution to the 1971 conflict.
“Operation ‘Cactus Lily’ and Operation ‘Nut Cracker’ were the two main operations of the 1971 war, and 57 Mountain Division was strongly involved in both operations with firepower support from 57 Mountain Artillery Brigade,” defense expert Manas Paul said.
“Both operations advanced from Agartala westward towards Dhaka,” he said. On December 16, 1971, 93,000 Pakistani forces unconditionally surrendered, marking the end of the conflict.
Among our combat heroes are Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora, Maj Gen (Retd) Ian Cardozo, Lt. Arun Khetrapal, and Lance Naik Albert Ekka.