Battle of Saragarhi discussed

Chandigarh, September 9

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The core committee of the All India Defence Brotherhood (AIDB), Punjab chapter, met here today to discuss the ways and means to generate awareness among youth about the epic Battle of Saragarhi and also discuss the challenges posed by Taliban to India’s national security.

Speaking about the Battle of Saragarhi, that was fought on September 12, 1897, Brig KS Kahlon (retd), AIDB’s state president, said India’s history was replete with many examples of perseverance, astounding bravery and sacrifices made by its people while safeguarding the integrity and unity of the country and one such event was this battle which was fought by 21 soldiers of 36 Sikh Battalion (now 4 Sikh) against thousands of Pathans in the North Western Frontier Province, now in Pakistan and a breeding ground of Taliban.

On learning of this unparalleled action, the British Parliament rose in unison to pay homage to the Indian soldiers. Each of the 21 of soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, then the highest gallantry award authorised to Indian soldiers.

Stating that this year would mark the battle’s 125th anniversary, Brig Kahlon appealed to the Prime Minister to issue a special stamp and coin to commemorate the heroic deeds of the Saragarhi martyrs.

He also appealed to CM Capt Amarinder Singh to assign the task of strengthening and activating village defence platoons, particularly in the border districts, to the Guardian of Governance functionaries so as to plug loopholes in the internal security. — TNS