Himachal govt committed to welfare of soldiers, says CM Thakur

The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families and has initiated several schemes as a token of respect for their services for the cause of the nation, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said today.

Thakur said this while addressing a gathering at a state level 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' function here.

"As many as 52 brave sons of the state laid down their lives for the cause of the nation in the Kargil war, out of which seven were from Bilaspur district," he said.

Out of the four Param Vir Chakras given during the Kargil war, two were given to the brave sons of Himachal Pradesh, he added.

Earlier Thakur performed 'bhoomi pujan' for the 'Shaheed Smarak' and park to be constructed in Bilaspur district.

He announced that Rs 11,000 would be contributed by every minister and Rs 5,100 by every BJP MLA for the construction of the memorial.

He honoured parents of Param Vir Chakra awardee Sanjay Kumar and family members of other Kargil martyrs of Bilaspur district.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed at the state secretariat today where Additional Chief Secretary Shrikant Baldi administered the oath of maintaining the national integrity and pride to the officers of the Secretariat.

Kargil Vijay Diwas was also celebrated at district headquarters and other parts of the state.