Hyderabad: The M-47 Patton tank on Tank Bund, one of the 66 tanks that were knocked out by the Indian Army in the 1971 war against Pakistan and gifted to the state government, has been resuscitated for Vijay Diwas on December 16.

The Army said that over the years, this war trophy had become dilapidated.

Major General R.K. Jagga, General Officer Commanding, BISON Division, took the initiative to resuscitate this memento. A decision was taken to complete this task by ‘Vijay Diwas’ and the Army has appealed to citizens of the twin cities to look after this iconic symbol of success.

History:

In 1971, the Indian Army executed one of the most decisive liberation campaigns, wherein, Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, received independence.

The BISON Division, which was raised in Secunderabad in October 1966, had launched a swift offensive into the Shakargarh Sector (part of then West Pakistan) and captured 988 square kilometers of Pakistani territory during the 14 days war in December 1971. In order to commemorate this great victory, December 16 every year is observed as Vijay Diwas. In order to commemorate this victory and as a token of appreciation for the citizens of the twin cities for their support since the raising of the Division, Major General W.A.G. Pinto, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding, BISON Division, had gifted the state government an M-47 Patton tank, one of the 66 tanks knocked out by the Division in the wake of its swift advance.