To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the victory, Swarnim Vijay Diwas was celebrated in its full grandeur in Gurez by the locals, Civil Administration, personnel of the Indian Army, Airforce, BSF, CISF and JKP including Ex Servicemen and Veterans of the 1971 War. A victory march with a Vijay Mashal was carried out in the Dawar market which was attended by hundreds. The procession comprised of a Army Pipe Band and marching column along with the NCC cadets, Civil Administration officials, Ex-Servicemen, Veterans of the 1971 war and personnel from the Armed forces, CAPF, JK Police and a large number of locals.
The Mashal was carried by the participants with full military honour before it was finally placed for veneration at the Dawar War Memorial where wreath laying was conducted to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the 1971 war and to commemorate their supreme sacrifice in protecting the nation.
After the wreath laying, the gathering moved to Boys Higher Secondary School, Dawar where various sports and games such as volleyball final between Markoot and Khopri and inter village tug of war and Children’s games were organised to celebrate the momentous occasion. Thereafter, the 1971 war veterans and Ex Servicemen of The Valley were felicitated along with the winners in the sports and games.
The Mashal was carried with great warmth by the locals who participated in very large numbers and a nationalistic fervor and patriotic spirit radiated amongst all. Such events being regularly conducted by the Indian Army in the Gurez valley has not only strengthened the bond between the Jawan and Awam but has also been instrumental in bringing Gurez on the World tourism map.
