India, Dec. 21 -- Veterans on Saturday paid their tribute to martyrs of the historic 1971 Indo-Pakistan War at the Noida Shaheed Smarak as part of the Vijay Diwas commemorations. The day is observed annually on December 16.

According to the organisers, the event aimed to bring soldiers and civilians together to honour the sacrifices of the Indian armed forces.

During the ceremony, tributes were paid to 44 martyrs from Gautam Budh Nagar. The programme began at 10am with the chief guest, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, laying the first wreath, followed by family members of the martyrs.

Air Marshal Mishra, who serves as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Western Air Command, said: "Today, we pause and reflect on the valour of o...