Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Dec 15: Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga today paid rich tributes to Captain Bahadur Singh (Vir Chakra), who laid down his life for the nation during Operation Cactus Lilly in 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The Minister laid a wreath at the memorial of Captain Bahadur Singh at his native village Chack Bhambo in Ramgarh sector of district Samba in a function organized by the Captain Bahadur Singh Samarak Samiti to commemorate 45th martyrdom day.
Captain Bahadur Singh served in 10 Sikh Li Regiment of Indian Army. During 1971 war, he attacked the enemy army in Cactus Lilli Operation in Badmer, Rajasthan and inflicted heavy loss to them. In this operation he also sacrificed his life for integrity of the nation.
While addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the people of Jammu have a history of serving the nation and sacrificing their lives for the motherland. He said Shaheed Captain Bahadur Singh was a brave son of the soil and he scarified his life while serving the motherland.
Paying homage to the martyr, the Minister saluted him for his bravery and supreme sacrifices and exhorted upon the youth to follow his footsteps with a pledge to safeguard the honor of the nation. The Minister appealed the youth to put in hard work in their respective fields and remain away from social evils to achieve desired goals, adding that a proactive approach and public participation is vital for a prosperous society and nation.
On the occasion, the Minister urged people to participate in the nation building process and to work together against corruption and other similar social evils to give a true tribute to the martyr.
Mr. Ganga also awarded the meritorious students of the Government schools of the area who performed well in academics.
Responding to the demands put forth by the members of the Samarak Samiti including construction of memorial park with a statue of Captain Bahadur Singh and other developmental works, the Minister assured that all their genuine demands will be considered on priority.
Earlier, the Minister also inaugurated work on protection wall of pond in Barjani in Bari Brahmana area worth Rs 5 lakh and work on lane and drain in village Chack Bhambo in Ramgarh area estimated to cost Rs 5 lakh. On the demand of villagers at Chack Bhambo, Mr. Ganga also assured them for the execution of other development works worth Rs 7 lakh under MNREGA.