The Albert Ekka Brigade, which fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war from the Tripura sector, on Thursday observed its 56th Raising Day in Agartala with solemn ceremonies.
A defence spokesman said the brigade celebrated its Raising Day with great pride and solemnity at the Agartala Military Station. The occasion commemorated the illustrious history, valour, and unwavering service of the brigade to the nation.
He said the celebrations began with a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country. Officers, junior commissioned officers, other ranks, and civil dignitaries paid homage to the fallen heroes whose courage and dedication continue to inspire generations of soldiers.
According to the spokesman, the brigade has the unique distinction of having earned the highest gallantry awards in both war and peacetime, including the Param Vir Chakra of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The brigade recently relocated to the Agartala Military Station, which holds special significance as the unit was launched into the 1971 war (Operation Cactus Lily) from the Agartala sector.
The defence spokesman said the Albert Ekka Brigade played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gangasagar near the Tripura border during the 1971 war. Lance Naik Albert Ekka of the 14th Guards battalion made the supreme sacrifice while clearing a critical enemy bunker that posed a threat to Agartala. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery.
Addressing the troops, Brigadier Dheeraj Singh lauded the brigade for its exceptional professionalism, operational excellence, and commitment to duty.
He highlighted the brigade’s significant contributions to safeguarding national security, maintaining peace and stability in the region, and supporting civil authorities during times of need.
The Brigadier urged all ranks to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army and continue serving the nation with honour, integrity, and selfless devotion.
The Raising Day celebrations concluded with interactions among officers and troops, reinforcing camaraderie and esprit de corps, while reaffirming the brigade’s resolve to remain ever prepared to meet future challenges in the service of the nation.
Defence analyst Manas Paul said the 1971 war comprised two major operations — Operation Cactus Lily and Operation Nut Cracker — in which the 57 Mountain Division was actively involved with firepower support.
He said both operations progressed from Agartala westwards towards Dhaka and culminated on December 16, 1971, with the unconditional surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, Maj Gen (Retd) Ian Cardozo, Lt Arun Khetrapal, and Lance Naik Albert Ekka were among India’s war heroes, Paul added.
He said the nine-month-long war ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces, leading to the birth of independent Bangladesh.
–IANS
