Leh, August 08 (Scoop News)- Minister for Urban Dev & Urban Local Bodies ,Nawang Rigzin Jora, today while speaking at the function of laying foundation stone of the War Memorial at Leh said that the WM at PP would be a symbolic structure to remember the supreme sacrifices made by the Ladakhis while serving in army to safeguard their motherland and also a medium to express our gratitude to them.
Stating the opportunity to serve in army a dignified job, Jora said that every young Ladakhi must get inspired to join army, not just as a soldier but as officers. He said that the existence of army in Ladakh has resulted in getting great facilities to the people of the region and also to gain special attention from GOI in terms of funds, infrastructure and other govt. schemes. Jora asserted that Ladakhis has been a die heart Indian and they feel pride to be an Indian.
Earlier the foundation stone of the War Memorial at Petrol Pump Chowk, Leh was today laid jointly by Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Urban Dev & Urban Local Bodies, Govt. of J&K, Rigzin Spalbar, CEC LAHDC, Leh and GOC, 14 Corps Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma, AVSM, VSM in a ceremony organized by the Ex-Services League, Ladakh region, Leh with financial aid from the State Govt., LAHDC and Army.
On the occasion, Jora announced a fund of Rs.50 lac for the WM and Rs.10 lac for the Ex-servicemen colony and another Rs.10 lac for their community hall.
Calling the occasion a historic day, CEC said that the coming up of this WM would serve a dual purpose; a medium to salute our martyrs and a mean to motivate the young Ladakhis to join army. Spalbar asserted that no tank or guns would secure the borders from the enemies unless it is backed by logistic support from the locals and the Ladakhis has always stood by the war times with the Indian army since 1947 keeping the trust of the nation by exhibiting their patriotism, said Spalbar. CEC also made a special mention of Ladakh Scouts and their contribution in securing the strategic borders in Ladakh region and said that Army and civil share an exemplary relationship in the region.
GOC, 14 Corps conveyed that the sacrifices made by Ladakhis need no mention and Ladakh Scouts is a pride for the Indian Army as well for the whole country. Sharma said that the WM would be a gesture to honour the Ladakhis specially those who lost their loved ones while serving for their country. He gave full assurance on part of army to support the people of the region with all possible assistance.
Speaking in tandem, Capt. Tashi Tsepel, President Ex-services League, Ladakh region, Leh said that the main objective of building this WM is to immortalize the martyrs of Ladakh and said that it is expected to get completed by June, 2014 at the cost of Rs.1 cr.
Among those present on the occasion included Executive Councilors Agri. Sonam Dorjey, EC, Health Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, EC, Animal Husbandry, Gyurmet Dorjey, EC, Tourism. Shafi Lassu, former Union Minister, P Namgyal, Councilors of LAHDC, DC, Leh Simrandeep Singh, SP, Leh Vivek Gupta, high ranking civil and army officers and the members of Ex-servicemen League.
On this occasion, a book titled “Ajanta of Ladakh –Gon Nilapuk of Saspol” by Tsering Sonam Yokmagun was also released.
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