Pulwama martyrs remembered in Kangra
CRPF veterans observed Pulwama shaheed diwas at Gopal Hotel, Chambi, in Kangra district, paying rich tributes to the 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the 2019 terror attack.
The occasion was marked by deep emotion and patriotic fervour as veterans, Veer Naris, and family members of martyrs gathered to honour not only the Pulwama heroes but also all brave hearts who laid down their lives for India’s independence and for safeguarding the unity, integrity and peace of the nation.
The programme commenced with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the Amar Jawan Jyoti. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the fallen heroes. The rendition of the CRPF song “Hum Hain Desh Ke Rakshak” further added to the solemn and patriotic atmosphere.
Kewal Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip of the Himachal Pradesh Government and MLA from Shahpur, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He honoured the Veer Naris and family members of the martyrs by presenting them with shawls and mementoes as a mark of respect and gratitude for their unparalleled sacrifice.
In his welcome address, former DIG of CRPF Onkar Singh Charak warmly welcomed the chief guest, Veer Naris and their families, CRPF veterans of the Dhauladhar Range, and members of the media. He described the martyrs as a perennial source of inspiration and underscored their vital role in upholding the nation’s unity and integrity. He said the country must never forget their supreme sacrifice.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest highlighted the invaluable contribution of martyrs in ensuring national security and strengthening the fabric of the nation. He assured the veterans that he would once again raise with the government the demand for constituting CAPF state and district-level kalyan boards to effectively address the welfare concerns of paramilitary personnel and their families.
The vote of thanks was presented by former Commandant VS Shahi, who expressed sincere gratitude to all attendees for their presence and support in making the commemorative event meaningful and successful. The solemn ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Around 150 CRPF veterans, along with Veer Naris and family members of martyrs, participated in the observance.
