Chandigarh, 23 October
Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that the Shaheed Smarak under construction in Ambala Cantonment, dedicated to the First War of Independence of 1857, will be the largest memorial in Asia. Through this memorial, people will be made aware of the truth of the freedom struggle and the sacrifices of the martyrs. He said that the inauguration of this memorial is likely to take place in the last week of November, and he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally inaugurate this grand and significant memorial.
While intracting with the media persons, Vij said that it is commonly publicized that the First War of Independence was fought by the Congress. However, the Congress was founded in 1885, 28 years after the first war of independence. He explained that those brave martyrs have not received proper recognition even today. Their stories have not been told, their songs have not been sung, and no special day has been observed in their honor.
Vij further said that extreme cruelty was inflicted during the First War of Independence. People were tied to trees and shot, heads were crushed under axes, many were imprisoned for years, and several regiments were disbanded. To bring this truth to light, he has worked tirelessly for the past 20-25 years.
Vij also informed that he requested the government to construct the martyrs’ memorial, which is now nearly ready. Its inauguration is expected in the last week of November. Highlighting the memorial’s monumental significance,Vij requested that PM to grace the inauguration ceremony in person.
