Rich tributes paid to martyrs

Visakhapatnam: The Navy personnel of Eastern Naval Command (ENC) celebrated the Navy Day here on Tuesday commemorating the sacrifices made by the martyrs on this historic day in the year 1971,during Indo-Pak war.

A missile boat of the Indian Navy delivered a lethal and powerful missile attack on Karachi harbour, paving way for a great victory for India and the liberation of Bangladesh after a historic surrender by the Pakistani military involving about 93,000 prisoners of war.

ENC paid homage to service personnel who made the supreme sacrifices for the nation including including the 1971 war. A floral wreath was placed by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ENC, Vice-Admiral Karambir Singh, at the Navy War Memorial on Beach Road in the city.

About a 50-member contingent presented a Guard of Honour to the martyrs. And later they took part in the parade. The Commander-in-Chief proceeded to the War Memorial in slow march with the wreath bearers marching in front.

The Guard performed the ‘Salami Shastra’ followed by ‘Shok Shastra’ and the Commander-in-Chief placed the floral wreath. While the bugler sounded the ‘Last Post’, a two-minute silence was observed.

On the occasion, all the personnel of the ENC rededicate themselves to the service of the country and to protect the vast maritime boundaries and the national assets off the Eastern Seaboard.

The other officials also paid homage to martyrs by placing wreaths along with Rear Admiral T Sudhakar (Retired), vice-president, Navy Foundation, and Col PJ Lawrence(Retired), Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer.