Finally, govt ready to install martyr’s statue

Ravinder Sood

PALAMPUR,August 10

The state government has finally accepted the demand of the father of martyr Major Sudheer Walia for the installation of his statue in the town. Major Walia sacrificed his life while fighting with militants on August 29,1999, in Kupwara. He was awarded with Ashok Chakra.

The family of the martyr had decided return Ashok Chakra in protest against the state government’s failure to install his statue in Palampur.

Several organisations had criticised the government and the Kangra administration for their failure to set up the statue in 20 years. They had called on the family and promised to set up a statue with their own resources.

The People’s Voice appealed the residents of the town to come forward and install a statue. A number of ex-Army officers had also announced to contribute funds.

Official sources told The Tribune that Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, after going through the story appeared in The Tribune yesterday, directed the administration to initiate efforts for the installation of statute at Palampur. The administration had been asked the provide suitable land. He said such cases should be on the top priority of the government. The Language and Culture Department will provide funds for the statue.