West Bengal Government Pays Homage to Indian Armed Forces Heroes on Vijay Diwas

Kolkata, Dec 16 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal made a notable appearance and delivered a heartfelt address during the military tattoo organized by the Army in honor of the 53rd Vijay Diwas in Kolkata on Monday. Her presence communicated a significant message about the nation's unified stance against any attempts to belittle India's armed forces.

In her poignant speech, Mamata chose not to discuss the current situation in Bangladesh but instead paid rich tributes to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.

Military officials in Kolkata observed that this marks the first occasion in over two decades that a state chief minister has attended any event commemorating Vijay Diwas.

The state government also commemorated Vijay Diwas at Veer Bhumi Krishnaganj, located in Nadia district, to honor the sacrifices made by the heroes of the 1971 War during this significant day.

Ujjwal Biswas, the minister responsible for the Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology in West Bengal, was among the attendees. Senior officers from the Army's Eastern Command and veterans were also present, with a joint wreath-laying ceremony conducted by the Army and West Bengal Police.

The Krishnaganj War Memorial, established by the 5 GUARDS regiment of the Indian Army during the 1971 conflict along the banks of the Mathabhanga River, remained unrecognized until 2023.

It was unearthed and restored by the Ex-Servicemen Association of Krishnaganj, who subsequently reported it to the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB).

This led Col Partha Pratim Barik, secretary of the RSB in West Bengal, to reach out to the 5 GUARDS regiment for insights from their war diary.

"On November 26, 1971, the 5 GUARDS initiated a mission characterized by unparalleled bravery. Despite facing intense fire from Pakistani forces across the River Icchamati, the soldiers displayed unwavering courage. Lance Naik Murti Singh, who led the commando platoon’s attack, was the first to fall, followed by four others in a fierce confrontation. Sub Balwant Singh, gravely wounded, later succumbed to his injuries, epitomizing the spirit of sacrifice," stated Col Barik.

"On December 7, 1971, Naik Mohan Singh's courageous deeds at Uttar Narayanpur resulted in the destruction of four enemy trucks, delivering a significant blow to the adversary before he was fatally hit, earning him a posthumous Sena Medal. These soldiers—Sub Balwant Singh, Lance Naik Murti Singh, Naik Mohan Singh, and four others—made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to protect the nation and halt the enemy’s advance into Nadia district. Their valor and sacrifice are commemorated by a memorial on the Mathabhanga River, a lasting tribute to their selfless dedication to the country," he added.

Among those honored on Monday was Maili Chhetri, the widow of Sepoy Tek Bahadur Chhetri, who was killed by enemy fire in Krishnapur, Bangladesh, on November 27, 1971, and cremated by the Mathabhanga River.

One of the structures at the War Memorial in Krishnaganj bears the name of this brave soldier. Maili learned of her husband's sacrifice through a telegram that arrived at her home in Dalmor Tea Estate, Alipurduar, in December 1971.

"She is now 74 years old. It took 53 years before she could visit her husband's memorial, which lay hidden under a bush for so many years before its discovery. Sepoy Chhetri was also leading a commando platoon that came under heavy enemy fire.

He displayed extraordinary bravery before sacrificing his life. Maili was in tears as she placed flowers at the memorial.

"I never thought I would be able to see my husband again," she expressed. She extended her gratitude to the ex-servicemen and the Government of West Bengal for this opportunity," Col Barik said.

He expressed his appreciation to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, the Eastern Army Commander, the Nadia district administration, the police, BSF, NCC, the Ex-Servicemen's Association, and over 300 participants from Krishnaganj and Majhdia for their support and involvement.