In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recently made a noteworthy statement about the removal of a historic photograph that shows the Pakistan Army’s surrender to Indian forces during the 1971 war. She said that this photo had been removed from the Army headquarters on December 16, 2024, Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India’s triumph over Pakistan and the liberation of Bangladesh.
Priyanka Gandhi stressed the significance of this picture, which represents a turning point in Indian military history, in her speech. She urged the authorities to return it to its rightful site, stating that its removal was not just concerning but also an insult to the event’s historical legacy. She also emphasised the necessity of the
In the disputed photo, Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi of Pakistan was seen signing the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, which resulted in the surrender of more than 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and a major military triumph for India. Every year, Vijay Diwas is observed to honour this occasion.
Echoing Priyanka Gandhi’s views and urging prompt action to restore the image, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also filed an adjournment petition in Parliament in reaction to the issue over the removal of the photograph. According to the Indian Army, the picture has been moved to the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, which honours Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a pivotal role in the 1971 war, even though it was taken down from its conspicuous display at Army Headquarters.
With the Congress charging the ruling BJP of trying to change historical narratives, the episode has spurred a larger discussion about historical representation and memory in India.
The Wayanad MP recalled the sacrifices made by the servicemen and martyrs during the 1971 conflict between India and Pakistan.
