Punjab govt to develop 'Freedom Fighters' tourist circuit

Chandigarh, Mar 27 (UNI) As a tribute to the martrys and freedom fighters who laid their lives for the country, the Punjab government has proposed a ''Freedom Fighters Circuit'' project spannig 1,000 km in the state.

The Punjab Toursim Development Corporation (PTDC) has asked for Rs eight crore grant from the Centre in this regard.

''The aim behind this move is to familiarise the younger generation with the country's freedom fighters and martyrs.

Managing Director, PTDC Jagjit Puri today said.

According to Mr Puri, the proposed freedom fighter's circuit, first of its kind, in the country would start from Patiala and include various locations associated with the martyrs right up to Nawanshahr, Amritsar, Ferozepur and back.

''We have identified freedom fighters villages, home and havelis and visitors could chose to tour the complete circuit or a district" Mr Puri said.

PTDC is also in the process of preparing special pamphlets and literature educating people on sacrifices made by martyrs, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had already declared that the government will develop the villages and homes of freedom fighters as heritage villages or sites.

''We will bring these places on the tourist map of the state as well as the nation'', Capt Singh had recently stated at Hussianiwala while participating in the 75 the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on March 23.

He had also announced the setting-up a suitable memorial to perpetuate the memory of thousands of freedom fighters and martrys who laid down their lives for the nation. Both Hussianiwala and Khatkar Kalan the native village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh will be covered in this 'Freedom Fighters Cicuit'.

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