SHILLONG: The MPCC (Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971, at the Congress Bhawan here on Friday morning.
Addressing the gathering of Congress workers comprising youths, students and women, the convenor of the Bangladesh Liberation War Commemoration Committee of AICC and Chief Guest -- Captain Praveen Davar traced the history of India's greatest military victory that led to the creation of Bangladesh.
He said that the courage, daring and visionary leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was matched by the outstanding military leadership of Field Marshal (the then General) Sam Manekshaw and the other two chiefs of the Navy and Air Force --Admiral S.M. Nanda and Air Chief Marshall P.C. Lal.
Captain Davar stated, ''By November 1971, the number of refugees from East Bengal in India had reached 10 million. The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi rose to the challenge with determination and confidence and won a massive mandate in the Lok Sabha elections. Throughout the crisis, she acted not only with immense courage but also abundant caution.To secure itself against a possible US-China intervention in case events led to a war, India signed the 20-year Indo-Soviet Treaty on August 9. The pact ensured immediate mutual consultations and appropriate effective measures in case of either country is subjected to a military threat.''
Capt. Davar also paid homage to the 4,000 soldiers killed in the battle and the winners of 513 Vir Chakra, 77 Mahavir Chakra and 4 Param Vir Chakra — Major Hoshiar Singh, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, 2/Lt. Arun Khetarpal and Lt Naik Albert Ekka.
He also landed the role of the then Defence Minister, Jagjiwan Ram, Foreign Minister Swarrow Singh and highlighted the roles of the BSF (Border Security Force) and the Mukti Bahini-- the Army of the brave young freedom fighters of Bangladeshi.
Former MP Wansuk Syiem, general secretary of Meghalaya PCC, NSUI president, Mahila president, youth general secretary among others spoke in the meeting.
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