Assam: Bike rally marks Vijay Divas in Kokrajhar, honours 1971 war heroes

Vijay Divas was celebrated in Kokrajhar on Monday with a bike rally organised by the Indian Army (135 ATF). The event saw over a hundred riders from eight different biking clubs participate to honour the heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the creation of Bangladesh.

The rally, flagged off by local MLA Lawrence Islary from Green Field in Bodofa Nwgwr, Kokrajhar, traversed through the streets of the town. Riders came together to raise awareness about the significance of the day and pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.

Vijay Divas, observed annually on December 16, commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in 1971, leading to the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers and the liberation of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. This decisive victory, achieved with support from the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters), ended a 13-day war that began with Pakistani airstrikes on Indian Air Force bases.

The 2024 celebrations marked the 53rd anniversary of India's triumph, highlighting the importance of national unity and the remembrance of the historic events that shaped South Asia.