Kolkata

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Tuesday lauded the armed forces on Vijay Diwas, the day the Indian Army defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war, saying the victory sent a clear message to the world that "right always triumphs over might".

Speaking on the occasion of the Vijay Diwas celebrations at Fort William here, while remembering the soldiers of the 1971 war, the governor said India, along with the 'Muktijoddhas', fought against oppression and for democracy, defeating Pakistan to secure freedom for Bangladesh.

"It is a reminder of who makes a nation great and strong. India has proved time and again that the force of righteousness prevails over brute power," he said.

Bose also extended his best wishes to Bangladesh on the occasion, describing the day as a celebration of the liberation of people from an oppressive regime.

As part of the observance, Bose, along with Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh, senior officers of the Indian Army and ex-servicemen who are recipients of gallantry medals, placed wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs.

Pointing out that 'Vijay Diwas' marked the victory of the armed forces and their contribution in the creation of Bangladesh and the surrender of the Pakistani army in 1971.

"It was just war, it was a war we fought for humanitarian values, it was a war when we fought Pakistan and foiled their strategy to let loose terror campaign in the then East Pakistan to exterminate as many local residents as possible. We know about horrific things that were happening in Chittagong and in other areas, and we put an end to that," Bose said.

To a question, he said, "So far, India is concerned, we want peace in Bangladesh. We wish their economy progresses and their potential is explored."

Brigadier General Mohammed Aminur Rahman, one of the key members of the 20-member Bangladesh delegation, said, "Thanks to the Indian people, it is a special day and our national victory day."

He said the two countries share "over 4000 km international common boundary, and many rivers, and in the British period, we were together. India gave shelter to millions of our freedom fighters, and in 1971, Bangladesh got independence. India gave assistance to displaced people. We always remember and respect the support, we cherish the bonding with the Indian people and government."

To persistent queries about recent political upheaval and developments in Bangladesh, and if that would impact ties with Bangladesh, he said, "Please count the positives. We extended a hand of cooperation. India also extended the hand of cooperation. Our bonding remains forever."

Rahman underscored the shared "literature, ethnicity, food and language - everything - between the two countries."

Another ex-Bangladesh army man, Major Hakim said "both countries have to apply the balm whenever there can be some disagreements between two brothers and the relations will blossom and move forward in the coming days."

"If there are minor disputes in a family, it gets addressed and healed...The Indian army has given us the fullest respect, and I can tell you the same warmth has been noticed during the visit of the Indian army delegation and war veterans to Dhaka to celebrate the occasion on this day."

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Asked about reports of joint exercises between the Bangladesh Army and Pakistan Army, the Bangladesh delegation members said, "Joint exercises and joint training are very routine. Bangladeshi army officials were in Dehradun Military Academy last month for training. Our armed forces take part in joint exercises with many countries, including India and US.