First freedom struggle movement started from Ambala Cantt in Haryana

New Delhi, July 27 (UNI) Haryana Education Minister Phool Chand Mullana today said the first freedom struggle movement started from Ambala Cantt in Haryana.

Speaking at the commemoration of 150th anniversary of First War of Independence of 1857, 60th anniversary of India's Independence and related events here, Mr Mullana said that except European soldiers, all the Indian soldiers had refused to use impure cartridges.

On May 10, 1857 nine hours before the beginning of freedom movement in Meerut, Haryana's brave soldiers already launched their crusade against the Britishers, he added.

He said that as Haryana was not a separate State unit in 1857, its contribution in the freedom struggle was not highlighted properly.

Mr Mullana said all the villages of Ambala, Rohtak, Hisar, Rewari, Panipat, Thanesar, Gurgaon, Hansi and Sirsa became the revolution centres of the freedom movement and the revolutionaries fought with British Army with great zeal and courage.

He said the Lal Diggi of Jhajjar, Lal Sarak of Hansi and Meham Ajad Chowk were witnesses of the first freedom struggle movement in the country.

He said a memorial in the memory of the warriors of first freedom of movement would be set up in Ambala Cantt. by the Haryana Government and it had also decided to develop parks in the various villages of the State in the names of the martyrs of freedom struggle of 1857.

In accordance with the guidelines of the Government, the Haryana Government had decided to organise programmes in the State in a planned way to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's first freedom struggle.

He said the 60th anniversary of Independence Day would also be celebrated and freedom fighters would be honoured on the occasion.

He said that for organising various functions in this regard in schools, colleges and universities of Haryana, a State level Committee had been constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

He said that on the pattern of Historical Research Council of India, exhibitions pertaining to first freedom struggle 1857 would also be organised in various parts of the State.

Mr Mullana said that to imbibe the feeling of patriotism among the young generation, radio jinggles were being broadcast from All India Radio Stations at Chandigarh, Rohtak and Kurukshetra.

He said a telefilm was also produced which would be shown at various cinema halls and through cable TV.

The Minister stressed the need for further strengthening the feelings of patriotism so that the forces of terrorism, communalism and casteism would not succeed in their nefarious designs.

He said the Haryana Government was making all out efforts for providing every possible facility to the freedom fighters and their dependents in the State.

UNI