Far from reported operations against cross border terrorism, the once main battle tank of India – Vijayanta, used to critical advantage in the 1971 Indo-Pak war arrived in Haldwani from the national capital on Thursday. The historical battle relic will be set to display at the newly developed park in town.
A large number gathered as soon as Vijayant’s arrival in to the town became known to the public. A considerable number of people gathered here in order to view the historic battle tank ‘retired’ from service. As the people started to gather, the action taken against cross border terrorism on Wednesday night soon became the subject of discussion. Meanwhile, the Haldwani mayor Jogendra Pal Singh Rautela and city magistrate Harvir Singh inspected the tank along with army officials. Addressing members of the media, the town mayor said that the Bharat Vikas Parishad had played an important role in getting the tank set up for public display. A period of about one and a half years after the application was submitted to the authorities for approval, the said battle tank was arranged for from Delhi and will now be on permanent display at the public park adopted by the Bharat Vikas Parishad. He said that the main intention behind displaying this tank was to inspire patriotism among the youth and motivate them towards considering a profession in the armed forces. Due to the impressive performance of this tank against the enemy in the 1971 war between India and Pakistan and considering the lore associated with it, one Vijayanta tank has been set on display in Haldwani to inspire the tourists and other visitors travelling to the Kumaon region via this city. The display will also help the people get acquainted with the role played by a battle tank in the army. Having reached the city on Thursday, the tank will be checked and given a good cleaning after which it will be set on display permanently at the newly constructed park near a noted local hotel of Haldwani.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Vijayanta which means ‘victorious’ is said to have been the main battle tank built in India on the basis of a licensed design of the Vickers Mk I. It is said to be the first indigenous tank of the Indian Army with the prototype being completed in 1963 and the tank entering service in 1965. It was phased out of service by 2008.
