manila game Row Erupts After 1971 Surrender Photo Replaced With Mahabharat Painting At Army HQ | What We Know

1971 Bangladesh Surrender Photo Replaced With Mahabharat Painting, Claim Reports| Photo: Wikimedia Commons1971 Bangladesh Surrender Photo Replaced With Mahabharat Painting, Claim Reports| Photo: Wikimedia Commons

As India commemorates Vijay Diwas, a row over the location of the painting of the 1971 Instrument of Surrender has erupted. As per reports, the iconic paintingmanila game, which symbolises India's first major military victory, has been removed from the Army Chief's office and shifted to the Manekshaw Centre.

BY Outlook Sports Desk

In an official statement the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army, however saidthat the 1971 surrender painting has been moved to its "rightful place" - the Manekshaw Centre.

READ | Vijay Diwas: President Murmu, PM Modi Pay Homage To Heroes Of 1971 War

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"On the occasion of #VijayDiwas, #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS, along with the President #AWWA, Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, installed the iconic 1971 surrender painting to its most befitting place, The Manekshaw Centre, named after the Architect and the Hero of 1971 War, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Senior hierarchy & serving officers of #IndianArmy and #Veterans were present on this occasion," said the Indian Army.

#VijayDiwas#विजयदिवसOn the occasion of #VijayDiwas, #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS, along with the President #AWWA, Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, installed the iconic 1971 surrender painting to its most befitting place, The Manekshaw Centre, named after the Architect and the Hero of 1971… pic.twitter.com/t9MfGXzwmH

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2024

The news was first reported by the Telegraph. As per this report, the photograph has been replaced by a painting inspired by the Mahabharata and an illustration of the ancient philosopher Chanakya alongside tanks, helicopters, submarines and soldiers.

Veterans Criticise Decision To Move Photo

The photograph of the 1971 war depicts Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi of Pakistan signing the Instrument of Surrender before Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, commander of the Indian and Bangladesh forces in the eastern theatre.

The photo marks India's first major military win and takes note of the events which led to Bangladesh's independence.

Many veterans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision to remove the painting. Taking to X, Lieutenant General (Retd) HS Panag highlighted how the photo symbolises India's first military win in 1000 years.

#VijayDiwas#विजयदिवसOn the occasion of #VijayDiwas, #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS, along with the President #AWWA, Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, installed the iconic 1971 surrender painting to its most befitting place, The Manekshaw Centre, named after the Architect and the Hero of 1971… pic.twitter.com/t9MfGXzwmH

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2024

"The photo/ painting symbolising India’s first major military victory in a 1000 years... has been removed by a hierarchy which believes that mythology, religion and distant fragmented feudal past will inspire future victories," he said.

"Dignitaries and military heads of other countries meet the Army Chief here and see the symbol of the greatest event in India’s and [Indian Army’s] history. Now, this ham-handed effort – at what?," said Former Air Vice-Marshal Manmohan Bahadur, who questioned the aim behind removing the photograph from the headquarters.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also questioned the shift during the parliament's zero hour on Monday.

"A picture has been taken down from the headquarters of the Army in which the Pakistani Army is surrendering in front of the Indian Army...Today is Vijay Diwas," asked Gandhi.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore also questioned the shift and accused the BJP government of "erasing history".

“This is a very sad thing happening in this country that when on December 16 we are celebrating Vijay Diwas, the historic photograph has been removed from the Defence Ministry. It shows that the government of India under Mr. Modi wants to delete all historic things of the pastmanila game,” Tagore told news agency ANI.