News

The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the Republic of India invites the Lithuanians living in India and the friends of Lithuania to join the traditional comemmoration of the Day of Freedom Defenders of Lithuania.

You are invited to join the civil action „The Memory Lives on Because It Testifies“– to light a candle in the windows of your home or office in memory of those killed during the Soviet attack againt defenceless people on January 13, 1991. This way of commemorating January 13 was initiated in 2008 and has already become a tradition.

Since January 13 is a Sunday this year, it is proposed to light a candle on Friday, January 11, at 8 am. Lithuanian time (11.30 am. Indian time).

January 13 attacks by Soviet troops were aimed at crushing the newly reborn Lithuanian State. In the early hours of January 13, 1991, Soviet Army stormed the strategic objects of the State surrounded by the peaceful gatherings of people – Vilnius TV tower and Radio and Television Centre. In total 14 peaceful civilian freedom defenders lost their lives – some were shot dead, others were crushed by tanks crushed; hundreds more wounded. After this shameful attack the Soviets however did not dare to attack the Lithuanian Parliament that was encircled by unprecedented crowds of people from all over the country coming to defend freedom and ready to sacrifice themselves. For more than half a year on Soviet puppet regime tried to coexist with the newly formed independent Lithuanian government. Soviet government eventually had to dissolve after the failed Soviet coup d'etat attempt in August 1991 in Moscow as the heavy military protection of Soviet armed forces was withdrawn. For Lithuania January 13, 1991, marks a day of no return to the past of Soviet occupation.