Uttarakhandis play big role in safeguarding borders: CM

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 16

Chief Minister Harish Rawat has lauded the contribution of people of Uttarakhand in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.

Remembering 1971 Vijay Diwas martyrs at a programme held at Gandhi Park Dehradun, Chief Minister Harish Rawat described the 1971 war as a remarkable victory for India. “The Pakistan Army had to surrender to the Indian Army with its 90,000 soldiers. This was the first such incident after the Second World War wherein such mass surrenders took place,” he added.

The Chief Minister said the state government had made all possible efforts to ensure honours to the brave soldiers. “We are constructing at least 20 stadiums in hilly regions. Here, retired soldiers will be appointed as trainers. They will train the youth for Army recruitment,” he said. “The entire cost for this will be borne by the state government. Institutes, and in particular, educational institutes will be named after brave soldiers from the state,” he added.

Rawat announced that from the next year onwards, better budget will be allotted for welfare of Army and paramilitary servicemen. The state government extends all support to serving soldiers and families of martyred soldiers, he said.

Ex-servicemen welfare minister Dr Harak Singh Rawat said today is a day to remember our martyrs. He said the state government had made arrangements to provide families of the martyred soldiers with a one-time assistance of Rs 10 lakh.

During the programme, families of the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the nation’s safety were felicitated. Brig AN Bahuguna and representatives from defence as well as families of martyrs were present on the occasion.