*Agartala, Dec 16:*
Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces at the Albert Ekka War Memorial in Lichu Bagan and extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of the historic Vijay Diwas.
The Governor participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, honouring the soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Reddy recalled the significant events that led to India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war, which culminated in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
He said that during the conflict, a large number of people from neighbouring Bangladesh entered India as refugees, prompting the then Indira Gandhi-led government to extend humanitarian support. “India stood firmly beside the refugees and later extended full support to the Mukti Vahini, which spearheaded the liberation war of Bangladesh,” the Governor said. He added that the Indian Armed Forces played a crucial role in the conflict, leading to the historic surrender of 91,000 Pakistani soldiers before the Indian Army on December 16, 1971. “Since that day, the nation has observed Vijay Diwas to commemorate this landmark victory,” he noted.
The Governor also paid special tribute to Lance Naik Albert Ekka, whose bravery during the 1971 war is remembered with pride. Reddy recalled that Albert Ekka played a vital role in safeguarding Tripura’s capital city, Agartala, during the war. For his exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice, Ekka was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award, in 2000. In recognition of his heroism, the Indian Army’s war memorial in Agartala was named after him.
Reddy said Vijay Diwas stands as a reminder of the courage, discipline and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. He urged citizens, especially the younger generation, to draw inspiration from the bravery of the soldiers who defended the nation’s sovereignty. The Governor also conveyed his greetings to the people of Tripura and the country on the occasion, calling upon everyone to remember and honour the legacy of the 1971 war heroes.
