Tributes paid to 1971 war martyrs at Nurpur

Nurpur, December 17

The local unit of the Ex-Servicemen League paid tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 war with Pakistan and also honoured war veterans at Gangath, near here, today. Colonel NS Pathania (retd.), chairman of the league, presided over the ceremony organised as part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations.

A large number of war veterans and their families, veer naris and ex-Army men assembled at Gangath. Col Pathania recalled the battle of Longewala where the Indian Air Force unit based at Jodhpur eliminated Pakistan army brigade called ‘Tufan Division’. He added that the Pakistan army deserted its tanks, even with their engines switched on which were then switched off by 8 Dogra Regiment soldiers.

Free coaching to NDA aspirants

• The Ex-Servicemen League will impart free coaching to HP girls, who are aspiring to crack the NDA examination
• It has earmarked Rs5 L for purchasing land for the construction of a sainik hall in Kangra

Hony Capt Rumal Singh Pathania (retired) and Flight Lieutenant Sehdev Singh Pathania (retired), aged 102 and 93 years, respectively, were honoured for their bravery in the 1971 war. Colonel Pathania said that the Indian Army had opened the entry of women into the force through the NDA.

He said that the league had also earmarked a Rs 5 lakh fund for purchasing private land for the construction of a sainik hall in lower Kangra. — OC