Fight against evil forces in the country, says DC

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said that there is a need to fight evil forces within the country.

He was speaking at the Vijay Diwas celebrations held at the War Memorial in Kadri on Saturday. The celebrations were organised to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in 1971 that resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh.

"Few forces are against the integrity of the country and are resorting to disturb the freedom of individuals. They are trying to break our country in the name of religion and caste. We should fight against these forces by taking an inspiration from martyrs who have laid down their lives while safeguarding the country. There is a need to uphold the values of the country," he said.

Brigadier I N Rai, an Army veteran from Dakshina Kannada said that though Pakistan surrendered in 1971, the families of 54 'missing defense personnel' are still waiting for their loved ones.

He said that, "On December 16, 1971, about 93,000 Pakistani soliders had surrendered at Dhaka in East Pakistan. In fact after the second World War, it is for the first time that such a huge number of soldiers surrendered to allied forces within a short span of time. Though India had won the war, no details are available on 54 soldiers. The families of these soldiers are still waiting for their arrival which is a tragedy," he said.

Armed forces safeguard the country amid harsh weather conditions. They have sacrificed their family and happiness to serve the country. We should be always grateful to the armed forces, he said.

City Police Commissioner T R Suresh said that observing Vijay Diwas is a best tribute to our soldiers who were martyred in wars. Through such programmes we show our gratitude to the soldiers and their families. Besides this, such programmes are helpful in creating awareness among young people and students."

Assam Regiment East Commandant Artery Capt Prasad Nayak said that youngsters from Coastal district should show keen interest in joining the armed forces. Serving in the armed forces gives a sense of satisfaction."

Nayak, who had completed his engineering in NITK in 2015, had joined the armed forces.

The 'Vijay Diwas' commemoration ceremony was organised by the Dakshina Kannada Ex-Servicemen's Association, Mangaluru, under the aegis of Shastavu Sri Bhoothanatheshvara Temple Trust, Nitte Education Trust and Lions Clubs International, District 317 D.

DK SP C H Sudheer Kumar Reddy, ZP CEO Dr M R Ravi and others were present.