CM gives Rs 1-crore grant for Saragarhi Memorial

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, September 12

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday paid tributes to martyrs of the Battle of Saragarhi to commemorate its 121st anniversary during a state-level function held here.

He announced several projects, including an institute for competitive studies, Saragarhi club and centre for rehabilitation of drug addicts, besides a grant of Rs 1 crore for the beautification and development of the Saragarhi Memorial in this border town.

Capt Amarinder, who has himself authored a book on the famous battle, said the government would ensure speedy execution of the memorial project.

Addressing the gathering, Capt Amarinder said soldiers of the Sikh regiment, led by Havildar Ishar Singh along with Naik Lal Singh, Lance Naik Chanda Singh and their comrades, had showed exemplary courage and heroism against all odds while fighting the Afghans to their last breath.

He said the Saragarhi Memorial Management Committee would oversee the beautification project.

Responding to the demand by local MLA Parminder Singh Pinki for establishing a Saragarhi memorial institute for competitive exams in Ferozepur, the Chief Minister said the government would take necessary steps after examining the matter.

In his welcome address, memorial committee chairman Major General JS Sandhu, GOC, Golden Arrow Division, thanked Capt Amarinder for taking initiative for the development of the Saragarhi Memorial, which, he said, would go a long way in inspiring the spirit of patriotism and nationalism among the youth.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, MLAs Pinki and Kulbir Singh, Ferozepur IG MS Chinna and Brigadier Vignesh Mohanty, Station Commander.

Earlier after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Saragarhi, the Chief Minister went to Barki Square and paid tributes to martyrs of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

He also honoured 11 family members of the Saragarhi martyrs, besides the next of kin of 28 soldiers belonging to various regiments, who had attained martyrdom in various operations.