Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, was observed on December 16 at the War Memorial in Lunglei, Mizoram. The event was organized by the Lunglei District Sainik Office and saw participation from various groups including the 20 Assam Rifles, officers and cadets from the 2 Mizo Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC), and members of the Mizoram Ex-Services League (MESL) based in Lunglei. This solemn observance paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, honoring the courage and dedication of the armed forces.
The opening address was given by Lunglei District Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Officer, Maj. Rebecca L. Chhakchhuak (Retd), who also provided a brief account of the significance of Vijay Diwas, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Floral tributes were laid at the War Memorial by various dignitaries, including Col. Sagar K. Mohanty, Commanding Officer of 2 Mizo Bn NCC; Col. Arun Sharma (Retd), ECHS Officer-in-Charge; and Col. Jaswinder, Commanding Officer of 20 Assam Rifles, among others.
Annually observed, Vijay Diwas not only marks India’s decisive victory against Pakistan in 1971, which resulted in the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, but also highlights the exceptional valor demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces, culminating in the surrender of around 93,000 Pakistani troops in Dhaka.
During the 1971 war, approximately 320 soldiers from Mizoram served valiantly across various regiments in the Indian Army; of these, 11 soldiers were martyred, and around 24 sustained injuries. The Lunglei War Memorial, established in 2000 and located in Chanmari, honors the names of 103 soldiers who died in World War II and five personnel who fell during insurgency-related operations. The memorial is maintained by the Lunglei District Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Office.
