PM Modi lauds Malay Indians' role in Second World War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the Indian martyrs of the Second World War and said that he was prepared to work with the Malaysian Government to build a war memorial to the fallen soldiers at the site of Battle of Kampar in Perak.

Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the Indian community here, paid a special tribute to Puan Sri Capt. Janaky Athi Nahappan, who served as deputy to Capt. Lakshmi Sehgal.

"It was in the regiment named after yet another icon of India's war of Independence, Rani of Jhansi. On behalf of every Indian, I also honour all the unnamed and unknown Malaya-Indians, who laid down their lives so that free India could rise," he said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to the children and grand-children of the martyrs.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the contribution of the Sikh community in the Second World War.

"70 years ago a tragic and devastating World War came to an end. I also pay homage to the countless Indian soldiers, who lost their lives in the battle fields of Malaysia. A majority of those who laid down their lives were Sikhs," he said.

"Their blood is permanently mixed with the soil of Malaysia. It was a war that mattered for both the countries. And their blood in the Malaysian soil now forms a bond between our two countries that can never be erased. And, the valour and duty they stood for is alive in the spirit of the Punjab Regiment, the Sikh Regiment, the Jat Regiment and the Dogra Regiment in India," he added.