Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: In memory of all those who gave their lives for the nation, Public Opinion Forum (POF) in collaboration with Jammu civil society held a candle light vigil in city’s Gole Market area of Gandhi Nagar locality this evening.
Latest mutilation of a Naik/Sub Paramjeet Singh and Constable Prem Sagar at Poonch May 1 and brutal killing of innocent young Army officer, Lt Ummer Fayaz on May 10, having stirred the conscience of the society, people in large number, including ex-servicemen and students assembled for a peaceful candle march.
In an emotional state of mind, people, men, women and children, in large number, paid rich tributes to Lt. Ummer Fayaz and all other martyrs who have been victim of proxy war unleashed by Pakistan on India.
Calling them all patriotic sons of the soil and pride of the nation, the gathering prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength and fortitude to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss.
Initiative was brain child of Prof Varinder Gupta, Col JP Singh, Parveen Sharma and Bansi Lal. While paying rich tributes to Lt Fayaz, Parveen Sharma stated that 2 Rajputana Rifles has been designated as ‘Bravest of the Brave’ for having captured ‘Tololing’ on June 13 1999. Such killings should be immediately retaliated and criminal taken to task added Parveen.
Senior members of the civil society also analysed the worsening security situation in the valley and threats to the lives of family members of serving soldiers. Col Prabhu Singh (Vr C) and Col J P Singh, while sharing sentiments on behalf of veterans, expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs and the personnel of security forces serving in J&K.
Others who expressed their views included Prof Virender Gupta, Sanjeev Verma, Rahul Sharma, Chander Uday and Gopal Parthasarthy. Prominent among those present were Vikram Randhawa (MLC), Brig Anil Gupta, K B Jandial, Brig. JR Sharma, Madan Dogra, Dr Satya Dev, Ajay Charngoo, Prof Hari Om, Ajatshatru Singh, Rajinder Singh Jamwal, V D Dogra, V K Sethi and Indu Bhushan.
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