(Paramveer Ln Albert Ekka’s son Vincent Ekka being felicitated by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb)
It was a moment of unlimited pride and valour as Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb accompanied by ICA minister Sushanta Chowdhury received the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal on Saturday from the Indian army officers in presence top brass of other paramilitary and police forces.
For Bangladesh Liberation India in general and Tripura in particular contributed immensely , said the Chief Minister as he recollected the victorious moments and sacrifices of Indians – soldiers and civilinas alike in 1971 for the Liberation of Bangladesh , then East Pakistan, from the clutches of Pakistan. The Chief Minister was addressing a programme organized at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala to formally welcome the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate Golden Jubilee of Indian Armed Forces’ victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War from National War Memorial in New Delhi on December 16.
During his address, Deb remembered all those heroes who took part in the 1971 war. He also honoured the families of some soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.
Agartala was the hub of strategic planning for the liberation war. Pakistan forces had set Agartala as the target. But, the valiant act of Lance Naik Albert Ekka PVC (Posthumous) and his men had saved Agartala.
In the programme, the Chief Minister announced Rs. 1 lakh as a token of respect for the family of Lance Naik Albert Ekka. Besides, his son Vincent Ekka was honoured in the programme.
ICA minister Sushanta Chowdhury and Commander of 57 Mountain Artillery Brigade Nilesh Chowdhury were present in the programme.
Meanwhile, a programme was organized at Albert Ekka Park on Saturday to pay homage to the martyrs on Saturday. The Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya offered wreath laying to honour “The War Heros” in presence of civil and military dignitaries.
According to the press release, BSF will receive the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ from Sector 21 Assam Rifles, Agartala on November 07 next and subsequently the Victory Flame will be handed over to 57 Mountain Artillery Brigade. The victory Mashaal will stay in Agartala till November 08.
The Swamim Vijay Mashaal was brought to Rabindra Rhawan following a ‘Vijay Prarikrama’ around prominent places in the city. The event at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan featured cultural programme, band display of combined forces, 1971 war gallery and military equipment display.
During its stay in Agartala, the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal will be duly honored by the 21 Assam Rifles, the BSF, the CRPF and Police Headquarters. Four victory’ flames lit from the eternal flame at National War Memorial were carried throughout the cities and villages across the nation including native places of Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) awardees of 1971 War.
