Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS): The Eastern Command celebrated its 95th Raising Day here on Saturday, by remembering the soldiers who laid down their lives while serving the country.

Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Headquarters Eastern Command along with the officers, other ranks and civilian employees laid wreath on Vijay Smarak (war memorial) to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi in his address, reiterated the national responsibility of safeguarding the eastern territory of the nation.

He said Eastern Command, being the largest command of the Indian Army, will continue to strive for unparalleled professional competence to ensure the highest standards of operational readiness.

He also praised the undying zeal and fervour of the gallant soldiers, astute leadership of the commanders and dedication of the staff at Command Headquarters, a defence ministry release said.

Enriched with sagas of 'Glory and Guts', the Eastern Command has a rich and varied history with the onerous tasks in the process of evolution of the pre and post-independence Indian Army.

The command, having territorial jurisdiction over all eight northeastern states and West Bengal, is responsible for safeguarding the territorial borders along the international boundary and maintaining peace and tranquility internally, overcoming the operational and administrative challenges in the eastern region which is interspersed with harsh terrain.