Mizoram Governor pays homage to martyrs on Flag Day

Aizawl, Dec 7 (UNI) Mizoram Governor Lt Gen (Retd) M M Lakhera today paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day.

Later, the Governor greeted the martyrs' families as well as all the Army personnel.

''The Flag Day is observed to pay our tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country as well as to build a better relationship among the civilians and the Armed Forces,'' the Governor said in his message.

Flags are sold on the day to raise funds for ex-gratia to wounded soldiers, martyrs and their families.

''The Flag Day reminds us, the civilians, of our indebtedness to the brave soldiers of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force who have served the country. Their supreme sacrifices rendered many women widows and handicapped ex-soldiers. It is the civilians' duty to look after the widows, handicapped soldiers and those who are still serving the country,'' Mr Lakhera said.

The Mizoram Sainik Welfare collected donations on the occasion.

Besides, veterans of the Fighting Fifth of the 5 Assam Regiment observed a ''Chham Day'' on December five in memory of the fierce battle at the Chham sector in Kashmir during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 to liberate Bangladesh.

Captain Hmingdailova, IPS (Retd), who headed a company during the battle, recollected the incident at the gathering of war veterans.

Subedar Major and honorary captain K Parmawia also recounted his interesting memories on how he was believed to have been killed in the battle but came out alive after years in a Pakistani jail.

Lt Col (Retd) Vanlalhruaia Khawlhring, deputy director of the Zila Sainik Board, also acclaimed the heroic acts of the Assam Regiment to safeguard the country.

UNI