Author: Excelsior Special Correspondent
Publication: Daily Excelsior
Date: January 7, 2005
URL: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/05jan07/news.htm#3
Describing Jammu and Kashmir as
the biggest theatre of sacrifice, Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today
said that the Nation's collective will has guided the country through most
difficult times since independence.
Speaking at the foundation-laying
ceremony of Balidan Stambh near here this evening, the Governor complimented
the people of Jammu and Kashmir for scripting a saga of valour along with
the Army, the Para Military Forces and the Police in fighting the proxy
war for decade and a half. 'Over 15,000 civilians fell prey to killing
by the terrorists in the State during the past 15 years. This included
thousands of helpless women and children', he added.
Gen Sinha said that the country
has fought five wars with the help of the strong will of its people and
supreme sacrifices of its forces. He said nowhere in the country such a
large number of people's lives were sacrificed in Jammu and Kashmir for
upholding the national integrity. In this backdrop, he said, the raising
of a unique war memorial is a historic occasion not only for the city of
temples but for the whole country. He described Jammu as a land of valiant
soldiers who remained always in the forefront to defend sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the country.
The Governor said that war memorials
is a tradition in every country but what makes the Balidan Stambh unique
is its compositeness, as it will be a reminder of the collective endeavour
of the people, the Army, the Para Military Forces and the Police to fight
the enemy with valour and fortitude. He made a mention of Dogra warriors
including Brig. Rajinder Singh whose contribution in saving Kashmir from
tribal has made him immortal. The great military leader General Zorawar
Singh played a glorious role in carving a great State from Hunza to Lakhanpur.
These statues and the Balidan Stambh will project Jammu, the Duggar Veerbhoomi
as a city of valiant heroes apart from being a city of temples, he said.
Quoting the famous couplet, "Shaheedoon
ke mazaroon par lage gey har baras mele, Wattan par marne waloon ka yahi
naam-o-nishan hoga," the Governor said that the park being developed at
Balidan Stambh will enable such melas to be held every day instead of once
a year.
Gen Sinha recalled the task assigned
to him after 1971 war for raising a befitting war memorial for the Prime
Minister to pay homage on Republic Day within a fortnight on January 26,
1972 and temporary memorial was constructed under the India Gate for the
martyrs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Over 30 years have elapsed
and a permanent memorial is yet to be conceived and constructed. The Police
and the Para Military Forces are in the process of constructing a separate
memorial and there is no memorial for civilian martyrs. The Balidan Stambh
being put up in Jammu has shown the way and is a unique composite memorial,
not only in India but in the world.
The Governor complimented the COAS,
General N C Vij in taking the initiative and urged the State Government
for naming a road or setting up an institution in his name, in honour of
this valiant leader who is the son of soil. 'It will be the pride of the
State and will become a tourist attraction', he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief
Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that strong defence is necessary for
strengthening the forces of peace and lauded the Army for helping in restoration
of peace in the State. 'This has to be sustained', he added.
The Chief Minister said that the
Army, the people and the administration are enjoying good rapport and referred
to the civic action programme under which many strides have been taken.
The Chief Minister said that Jammu
and Kashmir has come into international focus on many counts, tourism being
the latest and referred to annual arrival of 50 to 60 lakh pilgrims to
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine last year. Similarly over four lakh pilgrims
paid obeisance at the Amarnath shrine, he said.
Appreciating the idea of building
Balidan Stambh, the Chief Minister called for close co-ordination between
the army and Jammu Development Authority for making the site a befitting
tourist attraction. He referred to the upkeep of Bahu Fort and Raninder
Park and said that various other spots are required to be developed for
incoming tourists.
Mufti Sayeed said that the coalition
Government evolved a multi-faceted strategy to herald a new era of peace
in the State, for which the army cooperated in a big way.
Referring to the launching of Jammu-
Udhampur rail link, the Chief Minister said that this will be inaugurated
by the Prime Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram
Sharma saluted the valour of Indian Army in defending territorial integrity
of the country during wars and the on-going proxy war. He said that the
army and the people have offered many sacrifices in braving the challenges
of terrorism and heralding peace in the State. He appreciated the army-civil
liaison and said that the concept of Jawaan and Awaam has been working
very well in foiling the conspiracies of Pakistan.
Mr. Sharma said the people of Jammu
and Kashmir have always remained in the forefront to foil the machinations
of elements inimical to peace and have helped the armed forces in combating
terrorism. As a result of concerted efforts, a change is discernible in
the situation as a result of which tourism, particularly religious tourism
has picked up. He referred to the Sadhbawna mission of the Army and said
this has brought cheer to many lives and ameliorated the lot of people
in far-flung and remote areas.
Chief of Army Staff, General N C
Vij, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt. General Hari Prasad and the Corps
Commander 16 Corps also addressed the distinguished gathering of Ministers,
Legislators, prominent citizens, senior army, civil and police officers.
Lady Governor, Mrs Premini Sinha was also present on the occasion. Amid
all-religious prayers, COAS laid the foundation stone of Balidan Stambh.
