Peerzada Zubair
Kupwara, June 25: In December 1971, Indian Armed Forces secured a historic victory in war over Pakistan on both Eastern & Western fronts in mere 16 days of lightning strike.
To commemorate 50th anniversary of this momentous occasion the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lit up the Swarnim Vijay Mashal or Victory Flame at National War Memorial in New Delhi and started a year long celebration in an effort to recognise the valour and sacrifices made by gallant soldiers of Indian Army.
This year long celebration has been aptly termed Swarnim Vijay Varsh which shall culminate on 16 Dec 2021. The commemoration is to cherish the saga of Indian Army which campaign was one of the fastest & shortest campaign of military history giving birth to a new nation called Bangladesh.
Today the Victory Flame was consecrated at Khargund, 47 Rastriya Rifles with wreath laying ceremony followed by two minutes silence observed as homage to our martyrs in a ceremony attended by Civil and Military dignitaries. Honourable Veterans of 1971 and other veterans also graced the ceremony in which they were felicitated by the chief guest Shri Imam Din, Dist Commissioner Kupwara, civil society of Kandi – Kigam and nearby areas fervently participated in the celebration with children putting up a zealous display and Patriotic Dance to enthrall the audience.
The event infused the environment with Patriotic Vibes amid cries of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Thereafter the Victory Flame was brought to Lolab Valley. Post event Brigadier Arvind Kumar Pandey, Commander 8 Sector Rashtriya Rifles thanked everyone especially the kids present in the event for making it successful.
