A low-key Vijay Diwas this time in city

KOLKATA: It's time for disappointment for those who had expected a gala show in the city to commemorate 40 years of India's greatest military victory ever - the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Though the primary focus of the War - that led to the creation of Bangladesh - was in the eastern sector and military operations were planned and orchestrated from Kolkata, city residents won't be treated to a special show because of "security reasons".After all, the city and its residents did play a major role during the War and provided whole-hearted support to the Indian troops as well as the Mukti Joddhas and refugees from East Pakistan who crossed over in their thousands.
Briefing the media about the Army's plans, Brigadier S Visvanathan made it clear on Wednesday that there will be nothing special in store for the general public. Some additional events have been planned for the Army but common people will have to be satisfied with the military tattoo organized at the RCTC Ground on Sunday, which is actually a full dress rehearsal of the actual event to be held on Monday. Unlike on previous years, the general public may not be allowed into the venue on Monday for the military tattoo that will be attended by Lt Gen Bikram Singh, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and other senior officers.
"This year, we are inviting a larger number of war veterans and Mukti Joddhas. They will be in the city from December 14 and will attend the wreath laying ceremony at Vijay Smarak on December 16. On December 14 and 15, cultural shows and band displays will also be organized at the Fort William Auditorium. As of now, we hope to get 22 Mukti Joddhas and three serving officers from the Bangladesh Army. We will also have 20 war veterans from outside Kolkata during the celebrations," Brig Visvanathan said.
According to him, certain restrictions and security issues came in the way of organizing a more elaborate programme to commemorate Vijay Diwas. According to others, a seminar will be organized where officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force will interact with the Mukti Joddhas. A coffee table book with rare photographs dating back to 1971 will also be released during the celebrations. There is no scope for bringing out any official history of the War as documents have still not been declassified by the government. It is still not clear whether all the veterans and Mukti Joddhas would be able to attend the programmes in Kolkata as an event is also being organized at Dhaka during the same time. An Indian delegation, including Army veterans, will be present in Dhaka during this event.