Vijay Divas Day observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, December 16 2008: SOLDIERS WHO died in the Indo-Bangladesh war of 1971 were remembered today in Manipur on the occasion of the Vijay Divas Day which was observed nation wide. Honours and tributes were paid to the martyrs of the Indian Army who laid down their lives during the 1971 East Pakistan (Bangladesh) war and gave their motherland victory on this day, December 16, 1971 during a ceremony held at the Rajya Sainik Board, Lamphel in Imphal West Tuesday.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, IPR Minister TN Haokip and retired army officers remembering departed soldiers

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, chief minister Ibobi Singh reminded once again that this was the day the Indian soldiers defeated their enemy and gave freedom to their neighbouring country, Bangladesh.

In this regards, Singh called upon the people to remember and honour the martyrs who laid down their lives for their country.

The Chief Minister, however, lamented that amidst all these sacrifices made by the security forces and the army, they had to face a lot of threats from within and outside.

In this regard, he also appreciated their valour and sacrifices.

Regarding suggestions for historical monument statues and a better observation of the occasion, the chief minister called upon the concerns to send a proposal including the functioning of the Sainik board and stated that the government would see to the best possible ways.

Prior to the chief minister's speech, lieutenant colonel (retired) B.S.Oinam, a veteran of the 1971 East Pakistan war called upon the state government for an appropriate place besides monument statues so that the Vijay Divas could be observed in a more beautiful way.

Perhaps, this could make the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the war could be happier, added the lieutenant colonel.

Meanwhile, drawing concern over the functioning of the Sainik Board the veteran armyman conveyed that lack of manpower was the main cause in the 'sometimes seen defunct' functioning of the board.

If a board that which is to give welfare to the ex-servicemen and widows and families of the martyrs is defunct, the retired lieutenant questioned what could be the condition of these people.

The veteran also drew the concern towards the non-availability of proper quarters at the board and questioned where the appointed employees of the board would stay when there was no proper place to stay.

In this regard, the veteran armyman urged the state government to look into the matter of the board.

The occasion was also graced by the presence of TN Haokip, minister of information and public relations, retired colonel RK Rajendra, also a veteran of the 1971 war, officials of the army and other state officials.