Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said it is imperative to honor the martyrs who have laid down their lives for safeguarding the nation as it imbibes a sense of patriotism in the people besides also educating the posterity about their sacrifice.The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a function held at court complex Poonch to unveil the statue of late Vijay Kumar Phool, a senior member of the judiciary who was killed by unidentified gunmen some years back.MLC, Pradeep Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, Members of judiciary, SSP Poonch, prominent politicians, senior citizens and people from different parts of life participated in the function.Deputy Chief Minister said it is imperative to pay homage to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. He said patriotism is the most sacred feeling and the onus lies on us to ensure that it is properly propagated among the younger generation and the posterity.While asking for holding such events on a regular basis, the Deputy Chief Minister said the people should also come forward and honor the martyrs by actively interacting with their families and also take necessary steps for their rehabilitation in the different spheres of life.