War memorial will be built in Shahpur: Pathania
Himachal Pradesh: Paying rich tributes to the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania on Sunday announced that a war memorial will be built at Shahpur in honour of the martyrs. Addressing a felicitation function organised by Shahpur block of Ex-Servicemen League in Dharamshala, he said land for the memorial has already been identified. Describing himself as a “proud son of Shahpur”, Pathania recalled his childhood days and the profound impact of soldiers on rural communities. “They were trendsetters in our villages – the most trained, disciplined and experience-rich community,” he said, and urged for increasing social participation of ex-servicemen. He highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s distinguished military tradition and pointed out that the state has produced four Param Vir Chakra awardees, two Ashok Chakra, 10 Mahavir Chakra and 25 Kirti Chakra awardees.
He stressed that Kangra district has given the country two Param Vir Chakra awardees – Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Vikram Batra. Appreciating the welfare measures of the Sukhoi government, Pathania said the compensation for martyr families has been enhanced from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, while assistance on natural death has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh. Several bravehearts, including Col Jai Singh (VSM), Veer Naris Pinki Devi and Sushma Devi, were felicitated on the occasion. Sunita Bohra’s touching poem, “Shaheed ki Maa” moved the people, while Savitri Devi’s patriotic rendition won applause. Changar Ex-Servicemen Cell also contributed Rs 50,000 to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Pathania said the memorial will stand as a lasting reminder of Himachal’s brave sons and their sacrifices.
