State event marks Saragarhi’s 122nd anniversary

Ferozepur

Direct descendants of the Saragarhi martyrs, besides ‘veer naaris’ and freedom fighters, were honoured during the state-level function organised here to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi. The event was presided over by State Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, who on behalf of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, announced setting up of a tourist facilitation centre at a cost of Rs 2 crore, besides other projects for the memorial.

Earlier, the minister paid an ode to the valiant soldiers of the 36 Sikh Battalion, who displayed exemplary courage against over 10,000 Afridis and embraced martyrdom. Sidhu was accompanied by Major General Amit Loomba, GOC, MLAs Parminder Singh Pinki and Kulbir Zira, besides other senior civil, Army and police officers on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering at the historic memorial, the Minister said the nation could never forget the sacrifice of the 22 brave soldiers in the war, which is listed among the world’s 10 deadliest wars. Sidhu also handed over grant of Rs 1 crore for the development and beautification of the memorial to Deputy Commissioner Chander Gaind.

Sidhu said the Chief Minister had sanctioned funds for the memorial so that the spirit of valour exhibited by the martyrs continues of inspire people all over the world. The CM had decided to restore the historic railway station of Hussainiwala for which funds would be released soon to the authorities concerned, he stated.

Later, talking to the media, Sidhu said the state government had completed all procedures to set up a PGI satellite centre in Ferozepur and expressed hope that it would soon become functional. Sidhu reiterated the state government’s commitment to provide better health services to the people of Punjab and said there would be no constraint of funds for this task.

In the end, the minister inspected the exhibition counters set up by various government departments and asked officials to take the benefit of these schemes to the doorstep of beneficiaries. Others present at the event included Commissioner Sumer Singh Gujjar, IG B Chander Sekhar, Brig V Mohanty and SSP Vivek S Soni.