Vajra Corps celebrates victory of India over Pak in 1971 war

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, December 16

Vajra Corps celebrated Vijay Diwas to commemorate the stellar victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

The historic victory signifies a unique and unparalleled feat, wherein the Armed Forces fought both on Eastern and Western front and liberated the people of the East Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The Vajra Corps, proudly known as the ‘Defenders of Punjab’, had proven its mettle on the strategic Western front and achieved its objectives with elan and vigour, capturing key territory and preventing enemy attempts.

During the war, operations in Vajra Corps Sector saw major battles at Dera Baba Nanak, Burj-Fatehpur and Sehjra where the enemy was pushed back. A proud nation conferred nine Maha Vir Chakras, 50 Vir Chakras, 72 Sena Medals and numerous other awards to the valiant men of the Vajra Corps during the 1971 war for their courage and selfless service to the nation.

Maj Gen Sanjay Maini, Chief of Staff, Vajra Corps and serving personnel of the Vajra Corps in Jalandhar Military Station paid homage and tributes to the martyrs in a solemn wreath laying ceremony held at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal.

War veteran Brig Bajwa narrates his experiences

In another event organised today by the Field Outreach Bureau of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, a webinar dedicating to ‘Golden Jubilee of Vijay Diwas-1971 Indo-Pak War and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ was held.

War veteran of both 1971 and Kargil War and decorated soldier Brig MPS Bajwa (Retd) and the Head of the History Department from HMV College Protima Mander addressed the audience. While Brig Bajwa took the young audience to visualise the events of wars and how the Indian forces fought valiantly to defeat the enemy, the History professor cast a web of the historical events which lead to India’s freedom.

Sharing his experiences, Brig Bajwa said how as a young 2nd Lieutenant, he participated in the 1971 war when he got the call to join back soon after his engagement. He, along with his brothers-in-arms, fought valiantly at Garibpur in Jessore sector in November 1971 even before the war was officially declared. He said he could never forget the surrender of 93,000 Pakistan army officers and soldiers on this day today that led to the birth of Bangladesh. He said he was proud of his 48 stitches on his body he got after being hit by enemy bullets in wars and terrorist operations in Kashmir.

He motivated the youngsters, both boys and girls, from Jalandhar and Amritsar NCC groups, Nehru Yuva Kendra, NSS, schools and colleges to dedicate themselves for the welfare of the country. He motivated girls to contribute in securing the borders of the Nation by joining armed forces at various levels and streams. He specifically asked the youth to take up National Cadet Corps (NCC) in schools and colleges for living a disciplined life for making and giving a better society to the future generations.

Tributes to Shaheed Jeet Singh Tanda Ura

In a yet another event, the 50th martyr day ceremony of Jeet Singh Tanda Ura in the Indo-Pak War 1971 was held at Tanda Ura village near Nakodar

Addressing a large gathering to salute the martyr after inaugurating the memorial of the martyr at the village of the martyr, Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, MLA Shahkot, commended the martyr’s family for helping the needy by holding a function every year and assured of every help. MLA Sherovalia announced to provide Rs 5 lakh for the development of the martyr’s village. The younger brother of the martyr and journalist Balwinder Singh Tanda Ura, while giving information about the sacrifice of the martyr, said the rest of the family of the martyr was also engaged in the service of the nation.