1965 war anniversary: PM pays tribute to soldiers, veterans to boycott function

On the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid a rich tribute to the brave soldiers and stated that they had triumphed over every obstacle to protect India's unity and integrity.

However, veterans of the war will gather at Jantar Mantar to observe the golden jubilee of the war. The veterans have decided to boycott the government's 1965 India-Pakistan war commemoration over One Rank One Pension stir.

A message was sent out by the organisers, inviting the veterans and families of those who were martyred in the war to gather at Jantar Mantar at noon on Friday. The veterans have been sitting on protest demanding OROP for 75 days.

"As we mark the 50th anniversary of 1965 war, I bow to all brave soldiers who fought for our motherland in the war," Modi tweeted.  "The courage & bravery of our Armed Forces is very inspiring. They triumphed over every obstacle & protected India's unity & integrity," Modi said in another tweet.

He also recalled the dynamic leadership of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and said that in the 1965 war, he led from the front and was a key source of strength for the nation.

This day marks the victory of the Indian forces in the battle along the strategic Haji Pir Pass in Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi in her message said that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the historic war, she joins the nation in paying tributes to the country's armed forces, who sacrificed their lives for the nation.