Governor unveils war memorial at Budgam in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha unveiled the war memorial at the site of the decisive battle fought in the central Kashmir district of Budgam in 1947.

The war memorial was built in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by the brave soldiers who fought the battle next to the Shrine of Budgam on November 3. 1947, also symbolizes the courage and spirit of the Indian soldiers.

General officer commanding 15 corps Lt Gen S S Dhillon, GOC victor force Major General Prakash Menon, MLA Budgam Aga Khan Ruhilla, MLA Beerwah Sargfaraz Khan were amongst the dignitaries present who laid wreaths in memory of the gallant soldiers at the function which was attended by the local populance also.

The governor said the memorial will go a long way in educating the soldiers future generations about the sacrifices made by.

Gen Sinha emphasized on the requirement for cordial relations between security forces and the ''awam'' as the army is always there to assist them.

Budgam always occupies a special place in nostalgia for soldiers of Indian army being a standing testimony to their sacrifices and valour in defence of the Srinagar Air Field in 1947.

Maj Somnath Sharma was awarded India's first PVC for his exemplary courage and leadership during this battle.

The granite wall of the memorial is graced with the brief on the battle, a small write up about Maj Somnath Sharma and a map of the area all in gold lettering, to remind future generations of the sacrifices made for their prosperous tomorrow.

The structure itself is placed amidst a beautiful lawn adding to the serenity of the memorial.

The memorial symbolises the spirit of man's eternal quest for freedom and his willingness to defend it against all odds at all cost.

UNI AG SY HT1612