![Former Minister, S S Slathia paying tribute to Kargil martyr at Koulpur in tehsil Vijaypur on Friday. Former Minister, S S Slathia paying tribute to Kargil martyr at Koulpur in tehsil Vijaypur on Friday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/page8-9.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Mar 6: Former Minister and senior National Conference (NC) leader, Surjeet Singh Slathia today paid glowing tribute to martyrs, who stood firm like a rock in defense of the nation in most challenging situations.
“We salute the valour of brave jawans, who laid down their lives while defending the nation”, Slathia said while leading people in paying homage to Shaheed Hav. Kulbir Singh at a function held at village Koulpr in Vijaypur Assembly Constituency in Samba district this morning.
Martyr Hav Kulbir Singh sacrificed his life during Kargil Operations 21 years ago.
“By offering supreme sacrifice, Hav Kulbir Singh has made his village and the entire Jammu and Kashmir proud”, Slathia said, adding that martyrdom of brave soldiers and officers remain source of inspiration for the compatriots, especially the youth. The nation will always remain indebted to this who give their today for secure tomorrow of the country, he maintained.
Slathia seized the opportunity to highlight the plight of the border dwellers, who were living under the shadow of fear due to intermittent and unprovoked shelling from across the border. He sought time bound completion of the community bunkers and shelter sheds for residents of the forward areas during exigencies like shelling from across the border.
The former Minister, who was chief guest at the homage giving function, said the problems of border residents are accumulating with each passing day due to shelling. He also sought special recruitment drives in police and other para military forces for the youth.
The local functionaries and the prominent citizens, including Sarpanch, Jasbir Singh, also paid tributes to the martyr, describing him as great son of the soil, who scripted heroic saga of valour during Kargil operation.
The family members of the martyr were also present on the occasion.