Tributes paid to ’71 war heroes
DHARAMSHALA/ UDHAMPUR : The 47th Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated in regions across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu on Sunday.
On the occasion, an event was organised at Dharamshala War Memorial where floral tributes were paid to commemorate the contribution of armed forces in 1971 India-pakistan war.
Speaking on the occasion, Food and civil supply minister Kishan Kapoor said, “We are indebted to the soldiers who, despite facing various odds, protect our borders.”
“Himachal is also known as veer bhumi. During the war, nearly 195 soldiers from the state had made sacrifices. Our officers and jawans have won four Paramveer Chakra, 10 Mahaveer Chakra, 51 Veer Chakra, 89 Shorya Chakra, two Ashok Chakra and 985 other gallantry medals,” the minister added.
A large number of civilians and administrative officials gathered at the venue to pay tributes during the wreath laying ceremony, organised at the Memorial on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a three-day event organised by the 9 Corps, also known as the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army, concluded at Yol Cantonment near Dharamshala on Friday.
“A felicitation ceremony was held at the Yol Cantonment for the brave soldier on Saturday. We had also organised a display of army weapons and equipments at the War Memorial to motivate youth and young children,” a defence spokesperson said.
The display will continue till December 17 and visit of stu- dents from various schools is planned, he added.
FOUNDATION STONE OF WAR MEMORIAL PARK LAID
A foundation stone laying ceremony of a War Memorial park was held at Indira Market Complex in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on Sunday.
Member of Parliament Ram Swaroop Sharma, Captain Kanshi Ram and Indian ex-servicemen league president Brigadier Kushal Thakur were among the guests present on the occasion where as many as ten war widows were also honoured by the MP.
Thakur also urged the MP to open Sainik Academy in the district and requested to start the construction work on Sainik Sadan building without any further delay
Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony was also organised at Dhruva Shahid Smarak in Jammu’s Udhampur. General officer commanding-in-chief, Northern Command, Lt gen Ranbir Singh complimented the officers for their dedication and selflessness and said that the soldiers must rededicate themselves in the service of the nation and confront new challenges with professionalism and courage.