CM lays foundation stone of Saragarhi Memorial, announces to complete work on this state of art project within six months

Ferozepur, September 12, 2023: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that work on construction of a state of the art monument to commemorate the martyrdom of 21 valiant Sikh warriors during the historic battle of Saragarhi at Ferozepur will be completed within a time period of six months.

Addressing the congregation after laying the foundation stone of the monument here today, the Chief Minister said that there is no cap on funds for the construction of this architectural marvel adding that the work on it will be completed within six months by all means. He said that the valour and sacrifice of soldiers during the battle of Saragarhi will always inspire our coming generations to serve the country selflessly and zealously.

Remembering the supreme sacrifice made by the 21 valiant soldiers who laid their lives while protecting the sovereignty of the country, CM Mann said that it was an unprecedented saga of bravery and heroism. The CM said that his head bows in reverence to pay homage to the supreme sacrifices by the brave soldiers of the country who chose death rather than surrender before a mighty enemy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the exemplary valor of the 21 soldiers of the 36 Sikhs stationed near Samana ridge (now in Pakistan), who laid down their lives after a fierce battle following an attack by nearly 10,000 Afghans on September 12, 1897 hardly finds any parallel in the world history. He said that the battle of Saragarhi will remain an iconic moment in India’s military history.

The Chief Minister said that he will personally monitor the work on this monument in the coming times and ensure that it is completed within the six months. He said that any sort of inordinate delay in this noble cause is unwarranted and undesirable adding that high standards of construction will be adhered to in the construction of this memorial. Mann said that any corruption during the construction work will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely by ensuring strict action against those involved in it.

The Chief Minister slammed the previous governments for blatantly ignoring this place of immense importance. He said that the previous state government had announced to construct a memorial and Rs 1 crore was issued in the year 2019. “However, the work was never initiated as additional funds worth Rs 25 lakh that were required for the memorial were never allotted adding that this reflects the apathy of these governments towards the martyrs”, said Mann.

The Chief Minister also announced to make astounding efforts for developing Ferozepur district as hub of tourism in the state. He said that the Saragarhi memorial along with Hussainiwala Memorial, will be showcased to the world for attracting tourists from across the globe.

On this occasion MLA Ferozepur Urban Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Rajnish Dahiya, MLA Guruharsahai Fauja Singh Sarari, MLA Jalalabad Jagdeep Kamboj Goldi, Commissioner Ferozepur Division Daljit Mangat, Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur Rajesh Dhiman, D.I.G. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, SSP Ferozepur Deepak Hilori were present.