Northern Command Marks Vijay Diwas | 18 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, the Army’s Northern Command celebrated Vijay Diwas across various parts of J&K and Ladakh to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971.  

 Key Points 

  • Vijay Diwas Celebrations by Northern Command: 
    • The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Dhruva War Memorial. 
    • During the event, he honored the brave soldiers of the Indian armed forces. 
    • He also interacted with veterans, acknowledging their legacy of courage and dedication. 
  • Celebration by the Jammu-based Tiger Division: 
    • The Tiger Division of the Army commemorated 53 years of India’s victory over Pakistan at the Balidan Stambh War Memorial. 
    • The ceremony honored the supreme sacrifice of soldiers during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, which concluded in just 13 days on 16th December 1971. 
    • The Deputy General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division, laid a wreath at the ‘Eternal Flame’ of the Balidan Stambh War Memorial, paying tribute to the gallant soldiers who thwarted Pakistan’s designs during the war. 

 Vijay Diwas 

  • Vijay Diwas is observed on 16th December every year to mark India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. 
  • On 16th December 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka. 
  • The end of the 14-day war resulted in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh. 
  • To mark the event, Indian Air Force has also felicitated a team of 25 Air Warriors for undertaking a running expedition from Kargil to Kohima- aptly named as K2K Ultra Marathon-Glory Run.