As part of the Vijay Diwas commemorations to mark the victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir today. Lieutenant General Puneet Ahuja, Chief of Staff, Western Command, paid floral tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation.
The war is regarded as a defining chapter in India’s military history. The victory led to the liberation of Bangladesh and firmly established India’s military capability, leadership and national unity on the global stage.
On the Western Front along Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan, the Western Command played a decisive role. Intense battles were fought at Basantar and Jarpal in the Shakargarh sector, the Khem Karan–Khalra sector, the Sehjra Salient, Chamb–Jaurian, Poonch and the Sialkot Sector, which proved critical in breaking enemy resistance.
Lieutenant General Puneet Ahuja, Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Western Command, lays a wreath at the Veer Smriti war memorial as part of the Vijay Diwas commemorations in Chandimandir on Tuesday.
Units of the Western Command were awarded one Theatre Honour and eleven Battle Honours. Its personnel were also conferred two Param Vir Chakra, forty-six Maha Vir Chakra and numerous other gallantry awards.
The commemorative events highlighted that the lessons of the 1971 War remain relevant even today. Jointmanship, swift decision-making, effective leadership, robust logistics and high morale were underscored as enduring pillars of military success. The command continues to maintain a high level of operational preparedness, supported by modern weapon systems, drones, advanced surveillance capabilities and rigorous training.
On the occasion, tributes were also paid to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously decorated with the Param Vir Chakra for gallantry in the Battle of Basantar, at his statue installed near the main entrance to Chandimandir. A large number of veterans, including his course-mates, personnel from his unit, Poona Horse, and representative of the Lawrence School, Sanawar, his alma mater, were present on the occasion.