Jammu's Balidan Stambh thrown open for public

Country's first war memorial, Balidan Stambh (monument of sacrifice), a tribute to army personnel who laid their lives while protecting country's frontiers, is now open for general public.
"A show was organised by the Army at Jammu's Balidan Stambh last evening and it will be open to the public on every Wednesday and Saturday evenings," Defence Spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said here today.
"It is expected to attract spectators from across the nation including tourists, who visit the historic temple city of Jammu," he said.
Backed by tapestry of multi-colour light and scores of fountains in verdant green landscape, the light and sound show mesmerised public viewing.

"The show has been instituted to highlight martyrdom and premiers the supreme sacrifice of military, police and civilians on the soil of Jammu & Kashmir, upholding the sanctity of our borders and sovereignty of the nation," Lt Col Mehta said.
"The illumination of 60 meter high tower, symbolising a bayoneted rifle, in the centre of the sanctum sanctorum, alongwith the live commentary, creates an atmosphere of pride, elan and belongingness. It is a true honour to our martyrs and a proud reminder of our glorious past," the officer said.
The construction of the monumental war memorial was completed in the year 2009. It encompasses the wars fought by India since its independence for protecting its frontiers in Jammu and Kashmir and covers the Indo-Pak wars of 1948, 1965, 1971, Kargil War 1999 and the China India War 1962.