War hero’s statue likely to return to Bharat Nagar Chowk in Ludhiana after Army’s intervention

After months of persistent appeals and peaceful protests by ex-servicemen and local citizens, the long-standing demand to reinstall the statue of Major Bhupinder Singh, Maha Vir Chakra, at Bharat Nagar Chowk has finally gained traction. The Western Command of the Indian Army has officially stepped in, lending its support to the cause. It has urged the Ludhiana administration to restore the memorial to its original, symbolic location.

The statue, which had stood at Bharat Nagar Chowk for years as a tribute to Major Singh’s bravery in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, was removed earlier this year during the construction work for the elevated road on Ferozepur Road. Instead of being returned to its original site, the statue was relocated near Rose Garden — an act that sparked widespread discontent among veterans and residents. The situation worsened when a decorative bicycle was installed at the statue’s former spot by a private firm involved in the chowk’s beautification, further fueling public outrage.

Major Singh, who served as a Squadron Commander of Hudson Horse, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his heroic actions in the Sodereke battle, where he destroyed multiple enemy tanks before succumbing to fatal burns. His statue, along with a captured Pakistani tank, had become a landmark of pride and remembrance for Ludhiana.

Brigadier Inder Mohan Singh (retd), president of the Umbrella Ex-Servicemen Organisation, confirmed that the Western Command had taken the matter seriously. In a formal communication to the Indian Ex-Servicemen League, the command stated it was giving the issue “utmost priority” and had already initiated discussions with Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain. “I personally spoke to the DC, who assured us that the statue will be reinstated at Bharat Nagar Chowk. We will continue to monitor the progress,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner acknowledged the Army’s involvement and confirmed that the matter had been flagged to both National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation.

The Army’s intervention has brought renewed hope to those who had been campaigning for the statue’s return. Activists and ex-servicemen, who had earlier set a Diwali deadline for resolution, now feel their voices are being heard. “The Western Command’s support has added strength to our movement,” said activist Jaskirat Singh.

With official assurances now in place, the city awaits the return of Major Bhupinder Singh’s statue to its rightful place — a gesture that would honour not just a war hero, but the collective sentiments of a grateful community.