Tributes paid to Saragarhi martyrs

Marking the 128th anniversary of the historic battle of Saragarhi, recorded as one of the most daring feats of chivalry in the history of military warfare, Cabinet Minister Dr Baljeet Kaur today paid homage to the Saragarhi martyrs at the state-level function to mark the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the saga of Saragarhi continued to inspire the generations to come, especially the youth of the region. “This memorial is a testimony to the unflinching bravery of those 21 gallant Sikh soldiers of the 36 Sikh battalion who displayed exemplary courage while fighting against more than 10,000 Arfidis."

Dr Baljit said the AAP government was leaving no stone unturned to connect the people with the past glorious legacy.

She said according to UNESCO, the Saragarhi war was one of the eight most important wars ever fought in the world. "It is a matter of great pride that the soldiers who laid down their lives were awarded the ‘Indian Order of Merit’ (highest medal) ie Victoria Cross."

Earlier, the Cabinet minister attended the bhog of the Akhand Path Sahib and later honoured the family members of the martyrs. Addressing the congregation, the minister said the state government was making efforts to connect the youth of Punjab with its rich heritage and culture. She said due to the efforts of the state government, a new memorial dedicated to the warriors of the Saragarhi battle had been built.

The minister also honoured family members of Saragarhi martyrs Hawaldar Ishar Singh, Naik Lal Singh, Lance Naik Chanda Singh, Sepoy Heera Singh, Sepoy Nand Singh, Seopy Narayan Singh, Sepoy Bhagwan Singh, Sepoy Sahib Singh and Sepoy Gurmukh Singh.

On the occasion, Major-General Ranjit Singh Manral, GOC Golden Arrow Division, Deputy GOC Brigadier Bikram Singh, AAP MLAs Ranbir Singh Bhullar (Urban), Rajnish Dahiya (Rural), MLA Fauja Singh Sarari (Guruharsahai), Naresh Kataria (Zira), SSP Bhupinder Singh, ADC (General) Damanjit Singh Mann, SDM Ferozepur Amandeep, Chairman Punjab BC Commission Dr Malkeet Singh, Assistant Commissioner (General) Gurdev Singh Dhamm and others were present.