Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Jan 12: Former minister and president DCC Kathua, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma and other people today paid homage to Shaheed Mangal Singh at his native village Ladoli, in Mangloor Panchayat of Billawar constituency
Martyr Mangal Singh had sacrificed his life for the nation while fighting the terrorist at Shahpur Post, in district Poonch on January 12, 2002 while on line of duty.
While paying floral tributes Congress leader said that Mangal Singh is a role model for many youths of the area and he set a true example of honesty, dedication and love for his country by sacrificing his life. He further said that for a nation to prosper it should never forget its martyrs and also war veterans. He said it is our duty to remember and honour the supreme sacrifices made by our people during the previous wars of 1947,1965, 1971, Kargil war and present proxy war unleashed by Pakistan.
He thanked the war veterans present during the function and said we people should feel proud and blessed that such great people are within us who served country in tough times and made the Dogras proud. He pointed out that J&K State and especially Kathua district has old history of serving in Army and making sacrifices for preserving the culture, peace and respect of the country and termed Kathua District as land of warriors and martyrs.
Manohar also paid homage to recently martyred two Army porters who were killed by Pakistan and also criticized Pakistan for beheading one porter. He further said that nearly 3000-4000 cease fire violations have taken place along LoC and IB during last year and said it feels immense pain to see every day civilians and personnel from belt force getting martyred due to unprovoked firing from Pakistan. He requested the Govt to take serious measures to stop such incidents.
During the function people demanded renaming the link road after the martyr to which Dr Sharma said that he will present their demand to LG Administration. He said families of martyrs didn’t get adequate help and financial aid from the State Govt as compared to compensation provided by other States of the country to their martyrs.
Subedar Ajeet Singh from 15 JAK Rifles along with his team also paid floral tributes to the Shaheed Mangal Singh.
Subhash Gupta (Ex-MLC), Dharam Singh, Capt Gian Singh Pathania, Capt Balbir Singh, Capt DS Pathania and family members of Shaheed Mangal Singh were also present.