Emotion of 1971 War should not fade, says Lt Gen

Kolkata: The excitement and emotion over the victory of Indian armed forces against Pakistan and birth of Bangladesh on this day in 1971 should pass on to the next generation, the GOC-in-C of Eastern Command Abhay Krishna said on Saturday.

The feelings and exuberance should not pass away with the generation which was connected with the event, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Abhay Krishna said after the wreath-laying ceremony on “Vijay Diwas” at the Eastern Command headquarters Fort William here.

A 72-member Bangladesh delegation, including Mukti Joddhas (freedom fighters), was present at the solemn event in memory of those who laid down their lives in the 1971 war.

“It’s exciting and a matter of pride that even today, after so many years, we are so emotionally connected about everything and we feel so good about it,” Lt. Gen. Krishna said.

“My only thrust is that this excitement, this emotional connect, should not pass away with the generation which was connected with that event in those days. It has to pass down to the next generation also,” he said.

In a joint statement, Lt. Gen. Krishna and Mosharraf Hossain, leader of the Bangladesh delegation and a minister in the Sheikh Hasina Cabinet, said that Vijay Diwas is an occasion for both nations to re-affirm the principles of democracy and lend support to each other in their pursuance. “With these celebrations, both nations re-pledge their commitment towards friendship and mutual respect,” the statement said.