1971 Indo-Pak War: Indian Army celebrates War Memorial Day in Hili

BALURGHAT: Indian Army celebrated War Memorial Day in Hili located at India-Bangladesh border on Wednesday to commemorate the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers while fighting for the country in the war during the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. The programme started at 10 am.

Naib Subedar of 100 Regiment of Indian Army Raj Kumar, Commandant T S Rathor, Retired Squadron leader of Indian Army and Secretary of South Dinajpur Sainik Board Satyabrata Chakraborty, along with many dignitaries, guests, officials and representatives from the district administration and local Panchayat took part in the programme.

All of them paid tribute to the martyrs and offered flowers at the altar. A colourful cultural programme was organised by the school children.

Notably on December 12, 1971, in response to Pakistan' sudden attack on the Indian Army during the liberation battle of Bangladesh, a war broke out between the soldiers of the

two countries.

The battle took lives of 400 Indian soldiers, who fought bravely responding to the sudden attack. A funeral was also conducted for all those martyrs at Hili.

Later, in counter attack, Indian army conquered over Pakistani Army. On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani soldiers surrendered before the Indian Army, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Later, a decorated 'Saheed Bedi' (Martyrs Altar) was built in Hili to pay tribute.

Secretary of district Sainik Board Satyabrata Chakraborty said: "The battleground of Hili has immense importance in the liberation battle of Bangladesh in 1971. Pakistani soldiers had suddenly attacked our soldiers resulting in the immediate death of 400 Indian soldiers. Major General L K Singh Lahel had led the Indian Army. Finally, the battle was won by India. December 12 is a great day for the Indian Army."