Painting historical memorabilia in Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar’s office, Ministry of Defence, South Block. In this photo, Pakistan Army Lt. Gen. AAK Niazi (seated, center) signs the surrender document in Dhaka on December 16, 1971. Photo credit: Shankar Chakraborty
Amid mounting criticism, the Indian Army installed an iconic painting of Pakistan’s surrender in 1971, which was recently removed from the army chief’s meeting room, at its Maneksha conference center on Monday. This development coincided with Victory Day, which commemorates India’s historic victory in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
“On the occasion of Victory Day, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, President Army Spouse Welfare Association, Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi installed the iconic 1971 Surrender Statue at their ‘most suitable’ location, Maneksha Centre. Architect and 1971 war hero, Field Marshal Sam Maneksha,” the Army posted. did The senior hierarchy and veterans of the army were present on the occasion.
Terming the painting as one of the greatest military victories of the Indian Armed Forces and a testament to India’s commitment to justice and humanity for all, the army added, “Its placement at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi will benefit a large audience. A remarkable presence of diverse audiences and dignitaries from India and abroad at this venue.”
As reported by Hindu Last week, an iconic painting depicting Pakistan signing the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka, which ended the 1971 liberation war and created an independent Bangladesh, was previously decorated in the army chief’s living room in South Block, where he meets. Special guests and visiting guests.
It was replaced by the ‘Karam Kshetra-Field of Deeds’ painted by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras Regiment, featuring snow-capped mountains, Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh to the right, Garuda and Lord Krishna’s chariot to the left, and Chanakya and modern equipment such as a tank. All terrain vehicles, infantry in the center, patrol boats, indigenous light combat helicopters And there are Apache attack helicopters.
Also Read: 1971 War | Liberation of Bangladesh, 50 years ago
After several veterans took to social media last week to express their frustration and anger after the historic painting was removed, army sources said the new artwork by a serving officer portrayed the army as “custodians of religion”, not just combat. Defender of the nation but to maintain justice and protect the nation’s values, and also “technically captures the development of the military. advanced, integrated force”.
The issue was also raised in Parliament with Congress MP Manikam Tagore moving an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss it. The notice of adjournment of the House was for the purpose of “discussing certain matters of urgent importance” which were the “removal of 1971 war pictures from the Military Headquarters” and the “wider implications” of the action. Preservation of India’s history and heritage.
“The 1971 victory, led by Indira Gandhi, is one of the most important military victories in India’s history. Removing this iconic image is an attempt to diminish its significance and erase its legacy from our collective memory. This image, which has inspired generations of soldiers and officers, is a symbol of our armed forces. It should be restored to its rightful place to honor the sacrifice and the great significance of this victory,” Mr. Tagore said in the notification. He also asked the government to form an independent committee with MPs from all parties to investigate the reasons for the removal of such historical heritage and to make suggestions for the protection and enhancement of the national heritage.
This committee should also examine past, present and future similar incidents in all areas and suggest preventive measures to ensure that our history is not tampered with in any way, said Mr. Tagore.
Remembering December 16th
Against the backdrop of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, veterans and officials from neighboring countries traveled to Kolkata to celebrate Victory Day, continuing the long-standing exercise. Eight Muktijodh (Freedom Fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces arrived in Kolkata on the 53rd anniversary of the Liberation War. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces also arrived in Dhaka to participate in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations, army sources said.
These bilateral visits provide an important platform for Bangladesh’s liberation fighters and Indian war veterans to come together, reflecting on the historic sacrifices that freed Bangladesh from occupation, oppression and mass atrocities, the Army said. The ongoing exchange celebrates the unique friendship between India and Bangladesh and renews collective memories of the liberation war, which symbolizes the shared commitment and valor of the armed forces of both countries, it added.
This tradition of mutual respect and remembrance underscores the deep-rooted bond of unity between India and Bangladesh, reinforcing the values of peace, cooperation and shared history.
In the national capital, three army chiefs led by Defense Minister General Anil Chauhan and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh laid wreaths at the National War Memorial.
published – December 17, 2024 at 02:27 pm IST