Uncertainty over Muktijoddhas joining Vijay Diwas events

Kolkata: Even as the Indian Army's Eastern Command kicked off a curtain raiser event for Vijay Diwas 2024 celebrations at Fort William in Kolkata, uncertainty continues over the Muktijoddhas from Bangladesh coming to Kolkata for the celebrations amid turmoil in Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas or Victory Day is commemorated on December 16 every year, marking the end of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the birth of Bangladesh.

India declared victory on December 16, 1971, after Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender. The Eastern Command did not confirm the arrival of the Muktijoddhas. When asked by the media if Muktijoddhas would be a part of the celebrations, Mohit Seth, Major General, General Staff of Eastern Command, said, "We will let you know."

Vijay Diwas celebrations will include a series of activities to honour the indomitable spirit of the 1971 war heroes.


Major General Mohit Seth said, "During the 1971 war, the Indian Army integrated the Mukti Bahini, of which the Muktijoddhas were a part. Thousands started fleeing East Pakistan and many ended up in the state of West Bengal. During the war that followed, the Indian Army had the Muktijoddhas as brave friends and the civilian population also provided all the support. People of Bangladesh wanted equal rights. In a bid to curb these peaceful demands, the Pakistan Army unleashed unprecedented levels of violence and atrocities on the Bengali populace. This was called 'Operation Search Lights'. Thousands of Bengali nationalists were killed and arrested," Seth said.

"We take great pride and Eastern Command was the centre against the oppressive dispensation of East Pakistan," Seth said, pointing out about the valour of Indian soldiers and their sacrifices in the 1971 war.