Excelsior Correspondent
GANGTOK (SIKKIM) / NEW DELHI, June 26 : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said here that martyrs never die and the nation is eternally indebted to them.
Addressing a Virtual Programme of Tribute to the Ladakh Martyrs ‘Veero Ko Naman’, Dr Jitendra Singh said, we are able to have a sound sleep because some Jawan somewhere sits awake to guard the borders against the enemy and our children manage to have a full stomach meal on time because some son of India somewhere stays empty stomach on the call of his duty.
The programme organised at the Sikkim capital was attended, among others, by the State Governor Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and, was joined by Union Minister In-Charge Northeast Dr Jitendra Singh and Union MoS Home G. Krishan Reddy from the national capital, New Delhi.
The highlights of the programme included ‘Shok Shastra Salami’ – presentation of arms, laying of wreaths by dignitaries, gun salute by Sikkim Police and observance of two-minute silence for the martyrs. The programme concluded with holding of torch light in the memory of martyrs by switching on mobile light by each one of those present.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, he represented a Lok Sabha constituency, a considerable part of which is located on the borders and he has closely seen the hardship and commitment with which the Indian soldiers discharge their duty, day and night. At the same time, he said, he has also seen the people living in the border areas enduring constant mischief by the enemy and serving as the first line of India’s defence.
Describing the people of Sikkim as traditionally patriotic and nationalistic, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it was appropriate that a tribute ceremony of this kind was chosen to be held at Gangtok. He said, being a border State, people living in Sikkim have a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our security personnel.
Dr Jitendra Singh also complimented Sikkim for being a rare State which was Corono-free till the end, before it received its first positive case in the form of a student who traveled from the national capital, Delhi. In the fight against Corona also, the people of Sikkim demonstrated the same self-discipline, valour and bravery, which is inherent to them, he observed.
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