Move to rename Teen Murti Marg, Chowk deferred: NDMC

New Delhi, April 27

The proposal to rename the iconic Teen Murti Marg and Teen Murti Chowk, after Israel city 'Haifa' has been deferred, the NDMC claimed today hours after its Vice-Chairman had announced clearance of the move.

New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Vice-Chairman Karan Singh Tanwar had issued a statement that the proposal has been "unanimously" approved in today's meeting which was presided by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

A council member, who was present at the meeting, had also confirmed the development.

However, hours later, the civic body issued a statement that the matter has been "deferred".

"The agenda item on renaming of Teen Murti Chowk and Teen Murti Marg has been deferred," the statement said.

The statement by Tanwar, issued earlier, had claimed, the three statues, murties, depict the three Indian regiments who sacrificed their lives while contributing to the liberation of the Palestinian post of Haifa from Muslim Turks. 

The renaming was suggested in commemoration of Indian soldiers. 

The idea was proposed ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel likely in July, which will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister, as the two countries celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations.

The Israeli city, which these places are being considered for renaming after, was liberated from the Ottoman occupation by Indian soldiers during the First World War.

A large number of Indian soldiers of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade died during the battle to free the city and nearly 900 are buried in Israel, the official said.

Every year, September 23 is celebrated as 'Haifa Day' in India and Israel as a mark of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle and to mark the end to 400 years of the Turkish control over the city. — PTI