Army veterans, Bangla freedom fighters mark ‘71 victory anniversary

Kolkata: Veterans of the Indian Armed Forces and Mukti Jodhas (freedom fighters) of Bangladesh, who fought shoulder to shoulder in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War against Pakistan, came together to celebrate Vijay Divas (Victory Day) here.

Thirty-eight freedom fighters along with the officials of Bangladeshi Army, Navy and Air Force attended the function at Fort William. Mukti Jodhas have been attending the annual celebration for the past 10 years.

Wreaths were laid by the veterans, members of the Bangladeshi delegation and Commander-in-Chiefs of the Eastern Army, Naval and Air commands.     

The celebration kicked off on December 13 with a band performance at Princep Ghat following which there was an interactive session among the war veterans, who recounted their war experiences.

Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is celebrated every year on December 16 in India to mark the anniversary of victory of Indian forces over Pakistan in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Indian Army fought in an alliance with Bangladesh’s military Mukti Bahini.