Assam’s cops played big role in 1971 war: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam government honoured nine war widows with Rs 10 lakh each, eight number of battle causalities with Rs 5 Lakh each, two number of war prisoners with Rs 2.5 lakh each and 86 number of war veterans with Rs 2 Lakh each.

In the true spirit of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to show the gratitude to the committed war heroes of Assam, who played an invaluable role in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Defence minister Rajnath Singh in presence of Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma felicitated the veterans of the 1971 Indo-Pak war at a function held in Sankardev Kalakshetra.

Sarma while paying his tributes to the bravery of the war veterans of the Indo-Pak War of ’71 and offering his deep tribute to all the soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty, said that the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 was a landmark event in the history of the Indian sub-continent. He said that the valour and sacrifice of the war heroes not only registered historic victory of India over Pakistan but also played a decisive role in realizing the dream of an independent Bangladesh.

Thanking Rajnath Singh for his presence on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the fact that Raksha Mantri himself was present on the occasion is indeed a recognition of the importance Government of India places on the war heroes and their sacrifices.

Pointing to the Indo-Pak War of ‘71 which culminated into signing of “Instrument of Surrender” of Pakistan Eastern Command on 16th December 1971, Sarma said that the war witnessed an unconditional surrender of 97,368 defence personnel of the Eastern Command of Pakistan, which was the 2nd largest surrender of the heavily armed military personnel, since World War-II. This simple fact was a testimony of the indomitable spirit and courage of Indian Army, Dr. Sarma added.

The Chief Minister also said that Assam’s role in that war was not confined to the battlefront alone. Some of the police officers from Assam trained and equipped freedom fighters of the Mukti Bahini to take on the Pakistani Army. He also expressed his gratitude to Jnanananda Sarma Pathak and Biraja Nanda Choudhury, belonging to the Special Security Bureau (SSB) who played an important role in the Liberation War. He also paid his tributes to D. N. Sonowal and Hiranya Kumar Bhattacharyya, both belonging to the Indian Police Service for their roles in the operation.

Sarma also paid his tributes to

Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, whose songs had an electrifying effect on the liberation army. His song “Joy Joy Nobojato Bangladesh; Joy Joy Mukti Bahini” written as triumphal salutations to the newly sovereign Bangladesh and to the freedom fighters still fresh in everybody’s heart.

The Chief Minister said that while the brave hearts kept everybody secured, it is the bounden responsibility for the government to stand by them and their families. He, therefore, informed that fulfilling its commitment, government of Assam has initiated a number of steps including ex-gratia of Rs. 50 lakhs to the next of kin of deceased army personnel, job for ex-servicemen, reservation of seats for their wards in medical colleges. He also said that the government is also planning several other initiatives for their welfare. He however conceded that no matter how much the government takes care of the armed forces that will never commensurate the sacrifices they make to protect national interest and keep everybody secured.

Over 300 war veterans, Veer Naris and their families attended the felicitation ceremony. Some of the veterans of the 1965 war were also in attendance. Several Ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior government officers from civil and defence forces and people from all sections were present on the occasion.

The Governor said, “As India celebrates the Swarnim Vijay Barsh, the initiatives taken by the Assam government to have honoured the soldiers of Assam who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War is highly laudable. The supreme role and sacrifices made by the people of Assam will always be etched in the hearts of the many and will remain a source to inspire and motivate several others to contribute towards the nation.”

The Governor also said that war heroes from the State of Assam have been part of our defence forces and many participated in the World War II. Since Independence soldiers from Assam have rendered meritorious and distinguished services. Their heroic achievement during various wars and while combating cross border terrorism are commendable and worth mentioning.

The Governor further said that there are 38000 ex-servicemen and 7000 Next of Kins in the State and the Government is ensuring their welfare, rehabilitation and physical wellbeing through 19 Zila Sainik welfare offices under Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam. Rajya Sainik Board of Assam also provides education scholarship, marriage grant to the children of ex-servicemen and widows. Pension to the World War II veterans and their widows is also paid from the fund received from the State and Ministry of Defence. The State has also established committees under the Deputy Commissioners in each district for redressal of all issues of ex- servicemen and their dependents on fast track basis.

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