Army commandos rappelled down ropes from helicopters in a show of what a real war situation looks like and civilians across age

groups gawked at weapons from up close at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) ground during an event organised by the Eastern Command on Wednesday to commemorate the golden jubilee the Liberation War of 1971 that lead to the birth of Bangladesh as a nation.

A “victory flame” celebrating Swarnim Vijay Varsh has been moving all over the country since December 16 to mark 50 years of the victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan.

The flame has since then passed through several villages, towns and cities.

On Wednesday Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan, army commander of the Eastern Command, received the flame at the RCTC ground in presence of several senior officers and other dignitaries.

An army personnel explains some features of a weapon to a bunch of kids

The flame will move to the military station in Barrackpore on Thursday where some of the veterans of the 1971 war will be felicitated.

Civilians and NCC cadets thronged the ground in large numbers taking a close look at some of the weapons on display.

“This will help young minds get an idea of the strength and the might of the Indian armed forces,” said a senior army officer.

Army officers explained some features of a few weapons on display to the crowd who also got chance to hold some of the weapons.