DC inaugurates Balidan Stambh constructed to honour 1947-48 Rajouri martyrs

GNS ONLINE RAJOURI 
SHYAM SOOD 

RAJOURI, APRIL 14:–Municipal Council Rajouri under its initiative of beatifying of Chowks in Rajouri town has constructed a War Memorial (Balidan Stambh) with a cost of Rs 50 lakh in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Rajouri in 1947-48.
The monument (Balidan Stambh) is dedicated to those who made supreme sacrifice for the liberation of Rajouri and was inaugurated on Friday by Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal, IAS, in the presence of dignitaries, including President MC, Arif Jatt; ex-MLC & BJP State General Secretary, Vibodh Gupta; former MC Councillor, Rajinder Gupta; Puspinder Gupta, Mamta Dutt, Yogesh Sharma, Kuldeep Raj (all MC Conucilor); Balidan Stambh Committee President, Ashok Gupta; BJP District President, Dinesh Sharma.
Other prominent presents on the occasion include Nishi Kant Saraf, Hardev Verma, Sarpanch Yogesh Sharma, Sardar Narman Singh, Naseer Ahmed, members of Martyrs’ families, and social workers.
The DC, Vikas Kundal praised the sacrifices of the brave hearts who gave their lives for the liberation of Rajouri and said; “Balidan Stambh would not only serve as a symbol of their bravery, but also as a reminder of the importance of valuing and protecting the freedom of the people,”.
“The monument would inspire people to emulate the courage and selflessness of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the greater good” he added.
MC President, Mohammad Arif emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the brave hearts who fought for the liberation of Rajouri.
“The monument would inspire future generations to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity. Preserve the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the cause of Rajouri’s liberation” said Mohammad Arif.
“This monument (Balidan Stambh) is open for all, anyone who wishes to pay respects to our heroes is welcome. MC Rajouri is committed to the welfare of the citizens” Mohammad Arif added.
It is pertinent to mention here that in the month of November 1947 Pakistani invaders entered the Rajouri town and on the occasion of the Baisakhi festival (April 13, 1948) Indian Army entered the Rajouri town and liberated it from Pakistani invaders.
During six months, hundreds of civilians and soldiers sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Rajouri.
Since 1948 the location for the construction of Balidan Satmbh was retained by the inhabitants of Rajouri town near the existing Balidan Bhavan.
“The monument would inspire future generations to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity. Preserve the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the cause of Rajouri’s liberation” he added.
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