Chandigarh, 26 July (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday paid heartfelt tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while defending the country’s sovereignty and integrity on the occasion of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The Chief Minister laid a wreath at the War Memorial and offered floral tributes to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War. The Last Post was sounded in honour of the fallen soldiers, followed by a two-minute silence. He also interacted with the families of martyrs and ex-servicemen, acknowledging their invaluable contribution and commitment to the nation.

During the ceremony, Mann distributed five two-wheelers to differently abled ex-servicemen. He also encouraged NCC cadets and trainees of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mohali, to join the armed forces and serve the country.

Chief Minister paid tribute to the 527 soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War. He said more than 65 of them were brave sons of Punjab, whose courage and sacrifice remained a source of immense pride for every Punjabi.

Addressing the gathering, Mann said martyrs did not belong to one family alone but were the greatest treasure of the entire nation. He added that the freedom and security enjoyed by citizens today were the result of the unparalleled sacrifices made by the armed forces.

The Chief Minister said Punjab’s history was marked by countless sacrifices and stressed that nations which respected their history continued to prosper. He described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of extraordinary courage, heroism and sacrifice displayed by the armed forces under the most challenging conditions.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families, Mann said the state provides financial assistance of ₹1 crore to the family of every soldier who attains martyrdom in the line of duty.

He urged young cadets to consider service in the armed forces as one of the noblest callings and assured them of all possible support from the state government.

Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat, senior armed forces officers, ex-servicemen and families of martyrs attended the event. Mann also took the salute during a Guard of Honour presented by the PAP Band under the leadership of PAP Group Commander DSP Davinder Singh Saini.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH