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Vijay Diwas is commemorated every 16 December, as it marks Indian military victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. The end of the war also resulted in the unilateral and unconditional surrender of the Pakistan Army and subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh. The anniversary of Vijay Diwas is observed across India by paying tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.
50 (I) Para Brigade played a crucial role in 1971 war and became the first Indian military unit to enter Dacca. The brigade celebrates the Vijay Diwas with great vigour and fervour and honours their martyrs on this day. During 1971 Indo Pak War, 50(I) Parachute Bde launched an airborne aslt employing 2 PARA Battalion group which has the envious distinction of being the first airborne assault into enemy territory. Led by then Lt Col K S Pannu, it made history by Para dropping at Tangail, in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and subsequently was the first unit to enter Dacca.
On 11 Dec 1971, aboard 50 aircrafts, the unit took off from KALAIKUNDA Air Force Base and DUM DUM Air Port. The important Poongli Bridge and the ferry on Lohajang river in Bangladesh were captured by 2 PARA on the same day. Pakistan's 93 Infantry Brigade, which was withdrawing, launched a counter attack but were driven back with heavy losses. The enemy made two more unsuccessful attempts that night but failed miserably with heavy loses. The three attacks cost the enemy 182 killed. The Pakistanis also lost quite a few vehicles, arms and ammunition.
On 16 Dec 1971 at 1045 hrs the battalion marched into DACCA and became the first Indian Battalion to enter the capital. For their heroic actions the gallant paratroopers were decorated with 1 Maha Vir Chakra, 5 Vir Chakras, 4 Sena Medals and 4 Mention-in-Despatches. 2 PARA was honoured with the Theatre Honour “East Pakistan 1971” and Battle Honour “POONGLI BRIDGE”.
Vijay Diwas is commemorated every 16 December, as it marks Indian military victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. The end of the war also resulted in the unilateral and unconditional surrender of the Pakistan Army and subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh. The anniversary of Vijay Diwas is observed across India by paying tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.
50 (I) Para Brigade played a crucial role in 1971 war and became the first Indian military unit to enter Dacca. The brigade celebrates the Vijay Diwas with great vigour and fervour and honours their martyrs on this day. During 1971 Indo Pak War, 50(I) Parachute Bde launched an airborne aslt employing 2 PARA Battalion group which has the envious distinction of being the first airborne assault into enemy territory. Led by then Lt Col K S Pannu, it made history by Para dropping at Tangail, in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and subsequently was the first unit to enter Dacca.
On 11 Dec 1971, aboard 50 aircrafts, the unit took off from KALAIKUNDA Air Force Base and DUM DUM Air Port. The important Poongli Bridge and the ferry on Lohajang river in Bangladesh were captured by 2 PARA on the same day. Pakistan's 93 Infantry Brigade, which was withdrawing, launched a counter attack but were driven back with heavy losses. The enemy made two more unsuccessful attempts that night but failed miserably with heavy loses. The three attacks cost the enemy 182 killed. The Pakistanis also lost quite a few vehicles, arms and ammunition.
On 16 Dec 1971 at 1045 hrs the battalion marched into DACCA and became the first Indian Battalion to enter the capital. For their heroic actions the gallant paratroopers were decorated with 1 Maha Vir Chakra, 5 Vir Chakras, 4 Sena Medals and 4 Mention-in-Despatches. 2 PARA was honoured with the Theatre Honour “East Pakistan 1971” and Battle Honour “POONGLI BRIDGE”.
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