Imphal, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, emphasized on Tuesday that the recent triumph of Operation Sindoor underscores India’s remarkable progress in defense modernization and its self-sufficient defense capabilities, which have greatly enhanced national security.

In his address during the Vijay Diwas commemoration at the Manipur State Film Development Society’s auditorium in Imphal, Governor Bhalla remarked that this day serves as a solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice that led to India’s significant victory in the 1971 war.

He honored the Armed Forces and paid homage to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s integrity and unity. The Governor reiterated that the success of Operation Sindoor reflects the nation’s firm commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.

He also recognized the bravery of Manipur’s own heroes, including Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik of the Indian Air Force, a Vir Chakra recipient during Operation Sindoor; Constable Deepak Chingakham of the Border Security Force, who was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra; and Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo Hmar of the CRPF, who received the Shaurya Chakra for his courageous acts that bring honor to both the state and the nation.

The Governor called upon citizens to renew their commitment to maintaining national unity, fostering peace, and upholding the democratic principles that define the country. The observance was attended by senior officials from the civil administration, police, military, veterans, students, and members of the public, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel.

Simultaneously, Vijay Diwas was celebrated in various Northeastern states, including a ceremony at the Assam state War Memorial in Dighali Pukhuri near Guwahati, organized by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, to honor India’s remarkable triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Lt Gen Pranab Kumar Bharali (Retd) graced the event as the chief guest, where veterans from the 1971 war shared their unforgettable experiences. All veterans were honored with a “Phoolam Gamocha.”

On this occasion, the Directorate also organized a program titled “Amar Swaheed Shraddhanjali.” Two Veer Naris, whose husbands made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding the country, were honored by Lt Gen Bharali. They laid a wreath at the War Memorial in memory of their fallen husbands, Hav Ramdhan Boro (Sena Medal) and Subedar Tilak Bahadur Chetri, who lost their lives battling militants in Jammu and Kashmir. They were presented with a pencil sketch of their martyr husbands alongside a narrative of their heroism in Assamese, as well as a scroll detailing their valor in Hindi and English.

The ceremony witnessed a large turnout comprising veterans, NCC cadets, and school children.