Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary today called upon people to encourage their children to join the security forces.The Minister was speaking at a function organized by Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad (PSSP) to honor kin of martyrs from Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and J&K Police who laid down their lives in the service of nation during the last one year.The programme was organized in connection with Vijay Divas celebrations, to pay homage to fallen heroes on 45th anniversary of 1971 Indo-Pak war.While addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the youth should take inspiration from the exemplary courage of the brave soldiers who have always stood firm in the face of enemy for protecting the honor of the country. Awareness programmes should be organized at various educational institutions to educate the students about the war heroes, he added.The Minister honored the families of martyrs including Captain Tushar Mahajan (martyred at Pampore), Subedar Karnail Singh (martyred in recent Uri attack), Havaldar Ravi Paul (martyred in Uri attack), BSF Constable Gurnam Singh (succumbed to injuries after sniper fire attack by Pakistani Rangers in Hiranagar sector), BSF Constable Vijay Kumar, Nain Singh, Pushpinder Singh and other brave-hearts.
Ex-servicemen, Major General Shamsher Singh, Brigadier Suchet Singh, Colonel VS Mangotra, Colonel Juneja, kin of martyrs and locals were present in the function.Later, the Minister inaugurated the construction work of lane & drain at Devangari Camp under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) at an estimated cost of Rs 5.80 lakh, besides inaugurating another lane in the same area with project cost of Rs 5 lakh.On the occasion, the villagers presented their demands for construction of a tube well, installation of street lights, upgradation of transformer, renovation of school building, proper distribution of ration, macadamization of link roads and simplification of formalities for the relief compensation to refugees.The Minister said that the state government is committed to provide every facility to the people of the state and emphasis is being given to the development of rural areas. He assured them that their genuine demands will be redressed in a phased manner.The Minister also inaugurated Panchayat Ghar Complex at Haripur in Suchetgarh to be constructed under convergence mode at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 lakh.