Punjab government has said it will ask the centre to approach the British Government seeking document to identify 282 Indian soldiers whose mortal remains were recovered from a well in Ajnala town of Amritsar.
"With regard to establishment of identities of soldiers, correspondence will be made with the Ministry of External Affairs, so that they can further correspond with the British Government," Punjab Principal Secretary (Cultural Affairs) S S Channy said in a statement issued here today.
He said the state government will also explore other sources in the country to establish their identities.
On February 28, excavation at the 'Shaheedan da Khu' in Ajnala town, close to the Indo-Pak border, was carried out by volunteers of local NGOs and Gurudwara management committees to unearth mortal remains hundreds of Indian soldiers who were thrown in the well by British troops, about 157 years ago.
The mortal remains of as many as 282 Indian soldiers was recovered during the excavation, which included human skulls, bones, Victoria Service medals and coins.
Channy said these are of great importance to people and the responsibility for preserving these articles rests with the government, for which action will be taken.
He said the state government has constituted a Concept Committee of eminent historians to arrive at a "proper and considered" view regarding raising a memorial for the slain soldiers.
The committee is led by Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Jaspal Singh as Chairman, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI G N Srivasatva, among other noted historians.
A large number of people visited the site after excavation process began there, Channy said.
The committee is expected to look into the demands of Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj, Shaheedawala Khuh Management Committee, which had carried out the excavation, including last rites of the mortal remains, preservation thereof, setting up of a memorial and to ascertain names of martyrs through relevant historical documents, among others.
Channy said further action will be taken by the state government based on the committee's findings and suggestions.
"The details of the whole incident are being verified according to the available recorded history and a consensus and considered decision is taken for the setting up a memorial as well as granting these people the title of martyrs," he said.
Channy also informed that the well from which these mortal remains and other items were recovered was situated on defence land in Ajnala town which was used as a camping ground by the Army. The Ministry of Defence will be informed in this regard, he said.
