Vijay Diwas Today:  In Kolkata, war veterans share memories of 1971

“I was deployed on September 24, 1971, before that internal disturbance had taken place in Kolkata. I remember how I celebrated my 21st birthday on December 18th, 1971 in Khulna after Pakistani officers of the 107 Infantry Brigade at Khulna surrendered. There was some enemy action in Khulna and we faced resistance. I entered the Pakistani side and at one of the bunker I found a briefcase which belonged to one Lieutenant Khurban Raza of Pakistan. The briefcase had his picture and also had several love letters from his girlfriend in Karachi.

In a letter dated 24 September 1971, his girlfriend had written “Crush India.” I laminated that letter and still have it. Interestingly, I later met Raza, who surrendered in Khulna and he happened to be from my school – St Francis School in Lucknow. His parents migrated to Pakistan in 1955,” said Apte.

“What I learnt as a young second Lieutenant in the National Defence Academy was tested within eight months of the commencement of my service . What I learnt in eight months of war and further was not only a great learning experience but it also gave me great satisfaction in 36 years of my service,” added Apte.

Several other war veterans shared anecdotes and stories of valour during the programme. “I am emotional. The 1971 war binds India Bangladesh together, there is so much emotional connect,” said Mohammad Kamal Pasa one of the Mukto Jodhas, part of the Bangladesh delegation at the event.

On December 16, 1971, approximately 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the combined forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini. Bangladesh came into existence as a result of this war. Since then, December 16 is celebrated as Victory Day to commemorate India’’s triumph over Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief of the Eastern Command said that the “emotional connect” between India and Bangladesh “binds the two countries together.”

“After recounting of the 1971 war by Mukti Yodhas and the veterans present here, I would not say much. Vijay Diwas is one of the biggest events of Eastern Command and Army. I think the epic victory of 1971 war recognises the great determination, courage and sacrifices made by Mukti Yodhas as also all the members of Indian Arm forces. Whenever I think of it, it still gives me goosebumps that I am occupying the same chair that was once occupied by great leaders,” he said.

Kalita said that he was just eight years old when his seniors fought the battle. “I still have memories of going with my parents to see the Pakistani Prisoners of Wars in a camp near Guwahati. We take pride in this victory . Bangladeshis not just have historic and geographical linkages . We have emotional linkages because we have celebrated the victory of 1971 together. We have also suffered to the run upto the battle . The emotional connects bind us together. We have only love to share . We have mutual respect for each other that binds us together and to improve our understanding we can work together towards prosperity.