Agartala, January 1:
The Albert Ekka Brigade of the Indian Army, which played a crucial role from Tripura during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, commemorated its 56th Raising Day with pride and solemnity in Agartala on Thursday, paying rich tributes to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Named after Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka, who laid down his life during the 1971 operations just across Tripura’s capital in present-day Bangladesh, the Brigade holds a distinguished place in India’s military history.
Indian Army formations, including the Albert Ekka Brigade, were actively deployed in the eastern sector during the Liberation War, contributing decisively to the defeat of Pakistani forces resulting in the biggest surrender in war history with more 90,000 troopers surrendering to Indian Army and the creation of Bangladesh.
The Raising Day observance began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Albert Ekka War Memorial in Agartala. Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, Other Ranks, and civil dignitaries paid homage to the fallen heroes whose courage, valour, and devotion to duty continue to inspire generations of soldiers.
The occasion highlighted the Brigade’s illustrious legacy marked by professionalism, battlefield excellence, and unwavering commitment to national service.
The Albert Ekka Brigade has the rare distinction of having earned two of the highest gallantry awards in both wartime and peacetime, including the only Param Vir Chakra awarded during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
This year’s Raising Day carried special significance with the Brigade’s recent relocation to Agartala Military Station.
The move is seen as deeply symbolic, as the Brigade was launched into the 1971 war under Operation Cactus Lily from this very region, making Tripura a key military staging ground during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
During the conflict, the Albert Ekka Brigade played a decisive role in the Battle of Gangasagar. Lance Naik Albert Ekka of the 14th Guards Battalion made the supreme sacrifice while clearing a critical enemy position that posed a direct threat to Agartala. His exceptional act of bravery earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, posthumously.
Addressing the troops, Brigadier Dheeraj Singh lauded the Brigade for its exceptional professionalism, operational excellence, and steadfast dedication to duty.
He underlined its continuing contributions to safeguarding national security, maintaining peace and stability in the region, and assisting civil authorities during emergencies.
The Brigadier urged all ranks to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Army and continue serving the nation with honour, integrity, and selfless devotion.
The Raising Day celebrations concluded with interactions among officers and troops, reinforcing camaraderie and esprit de corps, and reaffirming the Albert Ekka Brigade’s resolve to remain ever prepared to meet future challenges in the service of the nation.
