Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 30: Jammu Province Bachao Manch organized a solemn program to pay tribute to the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting India from foreign aggression terrorism and COVID-19.
The event, held at Writer’s Club, was presided over by K Y S Manhas, retired Principal Sessions District Judge, who emphasized the importance of these sacrifices in ensuring peace, safety and security in the region.
In his address to the gathering, Manhas underscored that the freedom and peace enjoyed by citizens today are a direct result of the bravery and sacrifice exhibited by the soldiers who fought to defend the nation. He also highlighted the need for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to continue their struggle for maintaining their unique identity and status, emphasizing that it is essential to protect the region’s heritage and culture.
Ashok Sharma, former legislator and Chairman of the Jammu Province Bachao Manch and a senior advocate, shared personal experiences from his visit to Kargil during the war. Describing the valor of Indian soldiers, he called upon the youth of J&K to unite and actively work towards preserving the region’s identity and status.
Dr Kuldip Sharma, while paying tribute, raised alarms over the encroachment of local markets by outsiders, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sectors, which he argued is detrimental to local businesses and livelihoods. “The people of Jammu are at a losing end,” he asserted, urging community solidarity to protect jobs, land and opportunities for local youth.
The event featured several other notable speakers, including Harbans Lal, retired Principal Sessions & District Judge; Dr Kuldeep Sharma, Chief spokesperson of the Jammu Province Bachao Manch; Satish Poonchi, Vice Chairman; Advocate Usman Salaria; Col B D Sharma; Devender Singh Jamwal; Kamalpreet Singh; Ajit Singh, Dr YP Sahini and Vinay Kumar Kattal. The program was compeered by senior journalist Pt R Charma, while Ashwani Sharma delivered the vote of thanks.
Dr K L Sharma, Tilak Raj Sharma and Mohd Yaqub Mughal who became victims of COVID-19 while serving the people, were remembered for their excellent service.
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