Now, CM lauds Badal for raising memorials

Tribune News Service

Kartarpur (Jalandhar), March 6

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh here today dedicated to the nation the second phase of the Jang-e-Azadi memorial. He also announced an allocation of Rs 25 crore in the forthcoming Budget for the completion of the third phase and Rs 9.5 crore for the payment of arrears pertaining to construction in the first phase.

Capt Amarinder congratulated the team behind the project, led by Ajit Managing Editor Barjinder Singh Hamdard.

He also lauded former CM Parkash Singh Badal for the Jang-e-Azadi memorial and the War Heroes’ Memorial in Amritsar.

He directed the Memorial Committee to allow free entry to the families of all freedom fighters and depute tour guides to educate children about the monument’s significance. The CM suggested engraving names of all freedom fighters from Punjab who had sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Earlier, PPCCchief Sunil Jakhar urged the CM to issue directions to the Education Department to make visits by school students to the memorial and other such historical places mandatory to imbibe in them the spirit of patriotism. Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said the memorial would be a bridge to connect the younger generations with their legacy of patriotism.

Torn flag draws flak

Jalandhar: A torn national flag used by students of a private university at a cultural programme during the inauguration of the Jang-e-Azaadi memorial on Tuesday angered the public. The audience said it was a dishonour to the martyrs and violation of the national flag code. The Tricolour was used by the students during a musical act. The torn flag was waved repeatedly by the students in the presence of political leaders and top officials of the district administration. When contacted, Aman Mittal, director, public relations, Lovely Professional University, said the national flag was brand new, but got torn during the performance. TNS