Akhnoor: Major General Rajiv Gadihoke, General Officer Commanding, Crossed Swords Division, graced a solemn ceremony at Akhnoor to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of 1971 Indo-Pak war by paying rich tributes to the valiant soldiers of the Armed Forces who made the supreme sacrifice during the war. On 16 December 2020, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, lit the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, which entered the soil of Akhnoor on 04 May 2021. Akhnoor region had witnessed some of the most fiercely fought battles of 1971 Indo-Pak war, where our gallant soldiers braved all odds and defeated Pakistani Forces. Commemorative events were organised for felicitating families of gallantry awardees, War Widows and Veterans.
Fifty years ago, over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers under the command of Lt Gen AAK Niazi surrendered unconditionally to the Indian Armed Forces. This resulted in liberation of East Pakistan and creation of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh.
Major General Rajiv Gadihoke, GOC, Crossed Swords Division dwelled upon achievements of the Armed Forces in various gallant battles. He emphasized that Indian Army has always performed with utmost professionalism, upholding the highest traditions of valour and devotion to duty while maintaining sovereignty of the country. He also mentioned about the supreme sacrifices of the soldiers deployed from the highest battle fields of Siachen to the rugged mountains of North East and expressed gratitude to the contributions of populace of J&K who have played a pivotal role in various wars fought by the country. He also exhorted that Indian Army is geared up to fight the battle against Covid-19.
