Iconic rifle and helmet, symbol of fallen soldiers of 1971 War, shifted from India Gate to National War Memorial

New Delhi, May 28: In a major development, the Indian Armed Forces have shifted the Inverted Rifle and the Helmet from India Gate, which was the symbol of Fallen Soldiers of 1971 War, to Param Yodha Sthal at National War Memorial in a ceremony.

 

The Inverted Rifle and Helmet have now been installed in the midst of Busts of Param Vir Chakra Awardees at National War Memorial, the Defence Ministry said in a release

 

With this ceremony, the integration of the Memorial of Fallen Soldiers of 1971 war with National War Memorial has been completed, the Defence Ministry said in a release. The ceremony was led by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Air Marshal BR Krishna and attended by Adjutant General equivalents from the three Services.

 

As part of the ceremony, a final salute was given and CISC offered a wreath at India Gate. Thereafter, the Inverted Rifle and Helmet was removed and carried in a ceremonial vehicle to the Param Yodha Sthal and installed at a newly created monument, the ministry said. CISC accompanied by the AGs equivalents from three Services presented a salute to the new monument, it added.