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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 11 (EMN): To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indian victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Swarnim Vijay Varsh programme was held at the Headquarters of Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR), North in Kohima on Monday.
Speaking during the occasion, major general VPS Kaushik, SM inspector general of Assam Rifles (IGAR) (North), said it was a matter of "proud privilege" for all to have received the prestigious Swarnim Vijay Mashaal in Kohima Garrison. He informed that the flame was lit up from the eternal flame on December 16 by the prime minister at the National War Memorial, in New Delhi and has travelled through every town and village across the "great nation whose brave sons fought in the historic 1971 War."
"It is therefore a hallmark of the valour, sacrifice and fortitude of our brave soldiers," he added.
Kaushik stated that the defining characteristic of the 1971 War was the coordination, cooperation and synergy achieved amongst all elements of the Nation which had made the lightning campaign leading to the liberation of Bangladesh for which all Indians must be proud of.
He also acknowledged the "war heroes of 1971" who hailed from Kohima and nearby areas, who were part of the celebration on the day. "We sincerely salute them with respect. We remember the bravery of the gallant soldiers like you who scripted victory in the 1971 war," he said.
"You are a source of inspiration for all of us, and I am sanguine that the youth will continue to imbibe your qualities as lessons of their lifetime. Today's celebration is also a tribute to the brave sons who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland," he said.
Earlier, the programme began with placing of "Victory Flame" and floral tributes at the war memorial followed by floral tributes.
The wreaths were also jointly laid down by major general VPS Kaushik; TJ Longkumer, DG of Nagaland Police; Martin Pienyü, IGP (Int); Lt. general AS Bedi, chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group; Brig Abhinav Gurha, Cdr 5 sector Assam Rifles; Rajeev Dong, director Rajya Sainik Board and war veterans.
The officers and eight Naga veterans who turned up at the event also planted tree saplings at the campus of the headquarters to commemorate the occasion.