Lead nation with knowledge, skill: Haryana CM Khattar to youth

Rohtak, January 23

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar paid homage to late freedom fighter and Indian National Army (INA) leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 128th birth anniversary at a state-level ceremony organised at Rohtak to mark Parakram Diwas today.

AAP leader detained

• AAP state joint secretary Loveleen Tuteja, alias Lovely, was kept under preventive detention by the police in view of the CM’s visit to Rohtak on Tuesday
• Former AAP state president and social activist Naveen Jaihind was also prevented from cutting a cake and offering floral tribute at Netaji’s statue

The CM exhorted the youth to draw inspiration from Netaji’s life and lead the nation with knowledge and skills. “Netaji not only ignited the flame of Independence, but also instilled confidence in people that freedom could be attained,” he said.

Khattar pointed out that Netaji formed the Azad Hind Fauj or the INA, which comprised nearly 50,000 soldiers, including a large number of youths from Haryana region.

“Three INA soldiers who are still alive have been honoured by the deputy commissioners of their districts. These include Hari Singh (105) of Burthala village in Rewari, Mangal Singh (102) of Kosli in Rewari district and Jai Prakash (98) of Mandi village in Mahendragarh district,” he said.

The CM said the state government made efforts to eliminate crime, corruption and caste-based politics over the past nine years. “Haryana constitutes only 2 per cent of the country’s population, but the state’s contribution in the country’s armed forces is 10-11 per cent,” he said.