1971 war victory flame received at Atal Tunnel

Our Correspondent

Kullu, September 2

The Swarnim Vijay Mashaal or the victory flame, which is traversing the country as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, was received by Lt Gen PN Ananthanarayanan General Officer Commanding, Rising Star Corps, at the north portal of the Atal Tunnel near Manali in the district today.

Lt Gen Bhupinder Singh Thakur (retd), senior-most veteran of the area, Brig Sandeep S Sharda, Commander of 21 Sub Area, and the Deputy Commissioners of Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu districts along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The distinguished guests laid wreaths to pay homage to the valiant soldiers, who had made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 war.

A 16-day cycling expedition was flagged off from the Atal Tunnel to Pathankot being undertaken by 21 Sub Area with martial tunes played by the pipes and drums band.

Later, the victory flame was brought to the Military Station at Palchan, where other events such as the screening of a documentary on the 1971 war and cultural programmes showcasing the traditional folk dances of Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti and Punjab were presented.

Veterans and serving soldiers paid rich tributes to the valiant war heroes for their sacrifices, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The mega event culminated with the felicitation of veterans and Veer Naris by the chief guest.