Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that that the scarifies rendered by our martyrs in safeguarding the nation from internal and external threats needs to be remembered and propagated as it inculcates a sense of belonging and patriotism in us besides also urging us to contribute our bit in nation building.The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh was addressing gathering, at the 14th function of Shaheed Parivar Fund being organized by Hind Samachar and Punjab Kesari Group, here on Sunday.The Deputy CM lauded the role played by security forces in safeguarding the country against the designs of anti-national elements, besides warding off the threat of external aggression.The need of the hour is to honour the sacrifices of martyrs and create awareness among the masses and youth in particular about their selfless service to the nation, he added.Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur, Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Punjab Government, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chief Editor Hind Samachar Group Vijay Chopra, Journalist Mr Tarunvijay, journalists and academicians were present on the occasion.
Dr Singh while highlighting the contribution of security forces said that they have been offering sacrifices and it is due to their tireless efforts that the threat of violence has been brought down in different parts of the country especially in J&K and in the Naxal Infested areas. “We all should be indebted to these brave hearts who without caring for their lives have been instrumental in guarding the country from internal threats and external aggression”, he stressed. “Terrorism in any form can’t be tolerated and befitting reply will be given to those fanning these tendencies and we are competent enough to give a befitting reply to those harboring ill will towards the territorial integrity of India”, he added.While referring to the various initiatives being undertaken by the Prime minister for solving the problems being confronted by the west Pakistan refugees of 1947, 1965, 1971 and the Kashmiri Migrants, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the special package to the tune of Rs 2000 cr is being distributed among the refugees and several other measures are also underway to ensure that their grievances are redressed,Later the relief material was distributed and two trucks carrying relief was flagged off to Jammu and Kashmir.