DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday offered floral tributes to the martyrs during a function to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas and that the supreme sacrifice made by the brave hearts will always inspire the youth to serve the country with a spirit of patriotism and selflessness.

The Chief Minister laid a wreath at the war memorial located at Bougainvillea Garden and paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers of Punjab who laid down their lives during the Kargil conflict.

Recalling the 1999 Kargil War, the Chief Minister said that the entire nation had come together in unity with a deep sense of patriotism during that time. He said that Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolizes the extraordinary bravery of India's armed forces during the war. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled courage, heroism, and sacrifice during hostile circumstances.

The Chief Minister said that despite immense challenges, the Indian Army gave a crushing defeat to the Pakistani intruders in the areas of Kargil, Dras, and Batalik in July 1999. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such exemplary bravery displayed by Indian soldiers has no parallel in world history. He said that these heroic deeds continues to inspire our youth to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve the motherland with zeal.

The Chief Minister further said that the country will forever remain indebted to its brave sons who guard the borders under extreme weather conditions?be it scorching heat or freezing cold.

He mentioned that, as a mark of respect for the exemplary contribution of soldiers, the state government provides financial assistance worth Rs 1 crore to the family of any soldier who attains martyrdom during the line of duty. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this initiative by the state government is a humble effort to recognise the invaluable service of our soldiers.

During the event, the Chief Minister briefly interacted with NCC cadets and cadets of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mohali.

He encouraged them to join the armed forces to protect the unity and integrity of the nation adding that the state government will give fulsome support and cooperation to them for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they could serve as role models and help instill a spirit of patriotism and nationalism in other young people as well.

On the occasion impressive Guard of Honour was presented by the PAP band under the leadership of PAP Group Commander DSP Davinder Singh Saini. Several senior and retired defense officers also attended the event.

(editor@dailyworld.in)