Kolkata, Dec 16 (PTI) The Eastern Command is considering to open the Fort William in Kolkata for historical and heritage tours for the people, Army Commander Lt General Anil Chauhan said on Monday.

He said the Vijay Smarak would be open to the public on Sundays and public holidays for the people for paying homage to the slain soldiers.

"The idea is considering this Fort William and the history of Calcutta (Kolkata) they are almost synonymous," Chauhan said.

"We could open it up for historical and heritage kind of tours on a limited basis initially. And hopefully, the citizens of Kolkata would have something to rejoice after a month or so after we take a call," he said at Fort William, the headquarters of Eastern Command.

The Army commander said the 1971 war had a special significance for the Eastern Command and for Kolkata as it was the headquarters that was controlling the war.

He added that it was from Kolkata that the war was directed and the impact of the war was felt by the city more than anyone else.

"And the kind of respect that the Indian Armymen draw from Calcutta is seen nowhere else," he said. "I am saying this from the bottom of my heart. I have not seen this kind of respect from anywhere else."

"To keep alive such kind of memories alive of the citizens of Kolkata, their contribution during the war and to respect their sentiments, we have decided this particular war memorial will remain open on Sundays and public holidays," he said.

Meanwhile, as a part of the 48th Vijay Diwas celebrations, commemorating the victory of Indian Forces and the Mukti Bahini over Pakistani Forces during the 1971 war, a memorial service was held at Vijay Smarak on Monday at the Fort William here.

As many as 71 members comprising of Mukti Jodhas and serving officers from Bangladesh Defence Forces attended the events from Saturday.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)