Indian Army on Saturday celebrated the 35th anniversary of liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, in which the armed forces assisted the local uprising under the banner of Mukti Vahini in 1971.
General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 corps of the Army, Lt Gen A S Sekhon led the rank and file of army personnel in paying tribute and homage to the heroes of the 1971 war against Pakistan.
"Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is dedicated to the memory of soldiers who laid down their lives for the country since independence and is an echo of remembering the war martyrs," Sekhon said.
He said December 16 was chosen for Vijay Diwas as it also marks the culmination of the 1971 operations against Pakistan, which is one of the most magnificent achievements recorded in the annals of Indian military history.
The 15 corps has an enviable record of gallantry and its achievement will continue to be recorded in the Indian military history in golden letters, a defence spokesman said, asking all officers to rededicate themselves to strive for the nation.
Sekhon said the ceasefire between Indian and Pakistan along the LOC was holding good and that there has been no violations.
"We are glad that our neighbours (Pakistan) have also stuck to the ceasefire, which has allowed the developmental activities and also facilitated the relief work after the October 8 earthquake last year," he said.
A total of 76 Army personnel have been punished for their involvement in human rights violations, which included dismissal from service and rigorous imprisonment depending on the gravity of the offence, he said.
"Nevertheless, the track record of Indian Army is perhaps the best in the world compared to armies operating in similar conditions as that of Kashmir," he asserted.
