Shillong: The words “First in Dacca”are proudly engraved on the gateway to the 101 Area of the Army at Upper Shillong in Meghalaya, pronouncing a historic feat, which was decisive in the victory of India over Pakistan, paving the way for the birth of a sovereign nation Bangladesh in 1971.
Marking the 50th Vijay Diwas on Thursday, floral wreaths were laid by Governor Satya Pal Malik, AOC- in- C Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal DK Patnaik AVSM, VSM, AOC- in- C Eastern Air Command, GOC 101 Area, Lt Gen KC Panchanathan, Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen PC Nair and many senior officers from Police and Paramilitary forces at the War Memorial here.
“Many senior officers from police and paramilitary forces also laid floral wreaths as tribute to the brave-hearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the honour of the nation, a defence spokesperson said.
“The day holds a special significance for 101 Area which took part in the conduct of operations in East Pakistan and has the unique distinction of being the first Indian Formation to enter Dacca on December 16, 1971,” an army spokesperson said.
The Headquarters 101 Area was raised in 1963, initially for provision of logistic supportto the field formations which had moved to the North East Region in the wake of Chinese Aggression in 1962.
During the 1971 War, the Formation took active part in combat operations in Sylhet and Mymensingh Districts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and was the first to reach Dacca, thereby earning the laurel “First in Dacca”.
On the occasion of Golden Jublee Year of Bangladesh Liberation and victory over Pakistan in 1971 War. 100 Bn BSF under SHQ Tura Meghalaya frontier celebrated victory day at Kilapara War Memorial, Dalu, West Garo Hills District.
