Commemorating glory of gallant soldiers of 1971 war
Red Shield Division celebrates Vijay Varsh
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB / DIPR

Imphal, October 16 2021: Commemorating the guts, grit and glory of India's gallant soldiers of 1971 war, the Indian Army's Red Shield Division, State Government and people of Imphal jointly celebrated Swarnim Vijay Varsh today.

The event to welcome the Victory Flame intrinsic to Swarnim Vijay Varsh was held at Sports Authority of India (SAI) premises of Imphal.

The event kick-started with an enthralling friendly exhibition football match between renowned football clubs TRAU and NEROCA.

Half time of the match saw high tempo and an impactful series of events including arrival of Victory Flame duly escorted by military personnel and bikers of Royal Riders Manipur.

The fusion cultural programme enmeshing the cultural heritage of India to showcase 'Unity in Diversity' captivated the audience.

Video messages from Lt Gen Manoj Pandey, Eastern Army Commander and celebrities like Mary Kom, Bhaichung Bhutia, Mirabai Channu, Vijendra Singh amongst others were screened, adding vigour and zeal to the event.

Commemorating glory of gallant soldiers of 1971 war

The event was graced by Chief Minister N Biren Singh as the chief guest in the presence of IGAR (South), GOC Red Shield Division, DGP Manipur and other senior civil and military dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said that Manipur has the highest ratio of Defence officers to population among the States in the country, and the State is proud of its contributions to the armed forces and Nation building.

The Chief Minister exhorted the gathering to spare a moment and join him in remembering the valour and supreme sacrifices that Indian soldiers made in the 1971 war.

N Biren added that he was honoured to have the presence of Vincet Ekka, son of legendary Lance Naik Albert Ekka in the function.

Lance Naik Albert Ekka was given the Nation's highest gallantry award, 'Param Vir Chakra' for his courage and supreme sacrifices.

His heroic action in the Battle of Gangasagar changed the course of the War in India's favour, he added.

He also remembered the valour of 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon and Colonel Hoshiar Singh, who also received the Param Vir Chakra for their indomitable fighting spirit and leadership.

The Chief Minister also said that eight soldiers from Manipur also laid down their lives for the country in the War.

Golden memories of the heroic victory were renewed with the presence of Vincent Ekka son of Param Vir Chakra awardee late Lance Naik Albert Ekka, PVC (Posthumous) along with other war 1971 veterans.

Reminiscing the valour and supreme sacrifice of the Indian soldiers in the 1971 war and securing a scintillating victory, the chief guest lauded the painstaking effort of the Indian Army towards Nation building and National integration.