1971 Indo-Pakistan war anniversary: Tributes pour in as heroes remembered on Vijay Diwas

December 16 is a very significant day for India and its neighbours Bangladesh and Pakistan. On this day, 50 years ago, India forced Pakistan to kneel during the Indo-Pak war of 1971 marking the largest military surrender after World War II. 

The Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 began on December 3 and lasted for 13 days, after which Pakistan surrendered to India and Bangladesh. The Indian Army brought the Pakistani army to its knees, took 93,000 of its prisoners and freed 75 million people of Bangladesh which was until that time known as East Pakistan.

Celebrating the nation’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and paying homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives to drive out Pakistani Army form the Indian soil, several leaders and politicians hailed ‘Vijay Diwas’ as the victory of humanity.

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Praising the brave Indian Army on the Golden Jubilee anniversary of Indo-Pakistan war, Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, “On this day in 1971, the Indian Army, with its indomitable courage and valour, made a historic change on the world map, protecting the universal values ​​of human freedom. This gallantry inscribed with golden letters in history will continue to make every Indian proud. Happy Vijay Diwas.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also paid homage tributes to the Army in a tweet saying, “On this day in 1971, the Indian Army won the war by forcing the Pakistan Army to kneel down due to its indomitable courage and valour. This gallantry recorded in the golden pages of history will continue to make us proud. Vijay Diwas greetings to the countrymen and salute to the brave martyrs.”

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"Victory of humanity"

Meanwhile, Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote, “Vijay Diwas is the outcome of the amazing courage of the indomitable, courageous and highly disciplined Indian Army. In the 1971 war, I pay homage to the grateful nation for the valour and honour of every brave soldier who has been protecting himself and protecting humanity. Vijay Diwas marks the victory of "humanity".

Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Today, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the heritage of strength and valour of the Indian Army. I remember those brave soldiers who wrote a new heroic tale in the 1971 war. Their sacrifice is a source of inspiration for all Indians. This country will always remember them.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also saluted the valour of the Indian Army and hailed the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s might, in a veiled jibe at PM Narendra Modi.

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“On the occasion of India's historic victory over Pakistan in '71, greetings to the countrymen and salute the valour of the army. This was when India's neighbours trembled at the mettle of the then Prime Minister of India and were afraid of crossing the border of our country!”

READ | 1971 War: The Story Of India's Victory, Pakistan's Surrender & Bangladesh's Liberation