Excelsior Correspondent
Leh, Aug 8: Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora along with Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Rigzin Spalbar and GOC 14 Corps, Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma today laid the foundation stone of the war memorial at Petrol Pump Chowk here.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jora said that war memorial would be a structure to remember the supreme sacrifices made by the Ladakhis while serving in Army to safeguard motherland and also a medium to express gratitude to them.
“Every young Ladakhi must get inspired to join Army not just as a soldier but as officers”, he said, adding “existence of Army in Ladakh has resulted in getting great facilities to the people and also to gain special attention from Government of India in terms of funds, infrastructure and various schemes”.
On the occasion, Mr Jora announced Rs 50 lakh for the construction of war memorial and Rs 10 lakh for the development of Ex-servicemen Colony and another Rs 10 lakh for their community hall at Ibex Colony.
Speaking on the occasion, CEC said that the coming up of this war memorial would serve a dual purpose—a medium to salute martyrs and a mean to motivate the young Ladakhis to join Army. Spalbar asserted that no tanks or guns would secure the borders from the enemies unless it is backed by logistic support from the locals and the Ladakhis always stood by Army since 1947 keeping the trust of the nation by exhibiting their patriotism.
CEC also made a special mention of Ladakh Scouts and their contribution in securing the strategic borders in Ladakh region and said that Army and civilians share an exemplary relationship in the region.
GOC, 14 Corps conveyed that the sacrifices made by Ladakhis need no mention and Ladakh Scouts is a pride for the Indian Army as well for the whole country. He gave full assurance on part of Army to support the people of the region with all possible assistance.
Capt. Tashi Tsepel, President Ex-services League said that war memorial would be completed by June, 2014 at a cost of Rs 1 crore.
Among those present on the occasion included Executive Councilors Agriculture, Sonam Dorjey, EC Health Dr Sonam Wangchuk, EC Animal Husbandry, Gyurmet Dorjey, EC Tourism Shafi Lassu, former Union Minister, P Namgyal, Councilors of LAHDC, DC Leh Simrandeep Singh, SSP Vivek Gupta, top ranking civil and army officers and the members of Ex-servicemen League.
On the occasion, a book titled “Ajanta of Ladakh –Gon Nilapuk of Saspol” by Tsering Sonam Yokmagun was also released.
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