by: Navjeevan Express

Swarnim Vijay Varsh 1971 Cyclothon: Honorary Captain Heer Singh Bhati (Retired) flags off fourth leg

NE NEWS SERVICE

AHMEDABAD, NOV 29

Honorary Captain Heer Singh Bhati (Retired), a veteran of 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, on Sunday flagged off the fourth leg of Swarnim Vijay Varsh 1971 Cyclothon from Bakhasar. Bhati was involved in operations in the Tithwal sector. Presently, he is running Sanrakshak of Thar Ke Veer organization for veterans, a Defence release said.

The liberation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, by the Indian Army was a Golden letter day etched in the annals of history. To commemorate this historic event,  troops of Bogra Brigade cycled through the border areas of Barmer district, covering a distance of 220-km and reached Jalipa.

The team travelled through areas from where forces for battle of Dali, Khinsar, Chachro and Gadra Road were launched during 1971 war in Barmer Sector earning Battle Honours of Chachro (10 PARA SF) and Gadra Road (1 GARHWAL RIFLES). En route, the team spread the message of valour and sacrifice by the bravehearts in the 1971 war.

A  wreath-laying ceremony was organised at Jasol village to pay homage to Lieutenant General Hanut Singh who was awarded Mahavir Chakra for his role in Battle of Basantar during 1971 war. Another wreath was laid at Gadra Road Memorial in honour of the 17 Railway employees who were martyred while transporting explosives to Munnabao to support own forces during the 1965 war.

In addition, wreaths were also laid at Barmer Shaheed Smarak to commemorate the Swarnim Vijay Varsh of 1971 war. In an attempt to reach out to War Veterans, Veer Naris and Ex-servicemen of Barmer and neighbouring districts, a medical and an assistance camp were also organised at Jalipa Military Station. They provided necessary medical aid and their issues and problems were resolved by representatives of Veteran Cell, Station Headquarters Jalipa and Zila Sainik Board Barmer.

Telephone calls were made to connect to those who could not come to the camp due to COVID situation. These events organised by the Konark Corps are a true tribute to the ultimate sacrifices made by our soldiers to safeguard the honour of the country and will go a long way in motivating the local youth to join the Indian Army, the statement added.