MLA Kohli dedicates martyr Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia Memorial to city residents

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli today unveiled the bust and Shaheed Monument of Army martyr Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia (Sena Medal, June 26, 1942 – September 18, 1965) of the 7th Punjab Regiment (now 8 Mech), a hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, at the NIS Chowk here.

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Dedicating the memorial to Patiala residents, Kohli paid rich tributes to Lt Ahluwalia, who sacrificed his life at the young age of 23, while defending the nation at the Ichogil Canal, Lahore sector, on September 18, 1965.

He emphasised that martyrs were true legends of the nation and establishing this memorial at a prominent location would serve as an inspiration for the generations to come.

“The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is committed to honouring the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and supporting their families. It is unfortunate that past governments did not recognise the contributions of war heroes like Lt Ahluwalia. However, the present government has taken this step to give due respect to our valiant soldiers and their families,” Kohli said.

MLA Kohli further said this memorial stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia, ensuring that his sacrifice remains etched in the collective memory of Patiala and continues to motivate the youth of Punjab.

Family members of Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia, including Jaswant Singh Ahluwalia, Gurmeet Singh Ahluwalia, Paramjit Singh Ahluwalia, Anmoljit Singh DA, and RS Sidhu, expressed their gratitude for this long-overdue recognition. They described it as a proud moment for their family to see their beloved’s memory honoured in Patiala, nearly six decades after his supreme sacrifice. They also commended the Punjab Government and the Municipal Corporation for taking this significant initiative.

The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including Senior Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli, Deputy Mayor Jagdeep Singh Jagga, Ghanour Market Committee Chairman Jarnail Mannu, Municipal Commissioner Dr Rajat Oberoi, several councillors, including Ravinder Pal Ricky, Vinod Singla, Sagar Dhaliwal, Jasbir Singh Gandhi, Harpal Singh Bittu, Jasbir Singh Bittu, Jagtar jaggi, Colonel Vinod Singh Rawat, Army veterans, including Lt Gen NPS Hira, Maj Gen ADS Grewal, Maj Gen Rajesh Bawa, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh, Colonel Inder Singh, Colonel Harcharan Singh, Colonel NS Sidhu, Major HS Sidhu, Capt Amarjit Singh Jeji, Commander BS Virk from the Zila Sainik Board, who gathered to pay their respects.