No currency valuable enough to make up for soldiers’ sacrifices: LG Sinha

Jammu, Jan 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday stated that no currency in the world could ever be valuable enough to weigh the heroic spirits of the Indian soldiers or make up for their sacrifices.

“The Government can never compensate for their (soldiers’) commitment and their dedicated moments for the nation,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was paying tribute to ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces while attending a commemorative event, on the occasion of the Veterans Day, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Akhnoor.

“I bow my head in gratitude to all the veterans, valiant soldiers, Veer Naris and families of our Armed Forces’ brave-hearts. We will forever remain indebted to our veterans who have protected the nation from the enemies and continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and development,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for dedicating Veterans’ Day to honour the distinguished service of the ex-servicemen.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to protect the interests of Armed-forces personnel and their families.

LG Sinha stated that last year in Srinagar also, first Balidan Stambh was established as an effort to take the saga of unprecedented valour of soldiers to the general masses. “I believe that Balidan Stambh is the biggest religious place for every citizen. Soldiers protecting the borders are the guarantee of security and development of the nation. It is the collective responsibility of the society to take concrete measures for welfare of soldiers and Veterans,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed, “The blessed land of Akhnoor bears the indelible footprints of the valour and saga of courage of our veterans.” He said, the 108-ft high Monumental National Flag and Akhnoor Heritage Museum dedicated to the nation by the Defence Minister would inspire the generations and keep reminding everyone of the selfless devotion and sacrifices of brave soldiers and their families for the motherland. “It (museum) is a testament to the valour of our soldiers, who as and when situation demanded changed not just history but geography as well with their gallant acts,” he said.

“A martyr's house is no less than a sacred temple. This feeling and respect should be there in the minds of common man. Administration and society can express their gratitude to those who sacrificed everything for the country by fulfilling their responsibilities and ensuring that they live a life of comfort and dignity,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He highlighted various welfare programmes providing assistance and support for the education of the children of veterans and their better career prospects.

Stating that in the past few years or so, many decisions were taken by the J&K Government for the welfare of ex-servicemen.

“Though there is a lot to be done as compared to other states of the country. Three years ago, the ex-gratia to be provided to the veterans’ families was enhanced from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakhs as already informed Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar. As Rajya Sainik Welfare Board President, I’ve taken many such decisions. Children of JCOs and other ranks, if, clear KAS exams, they will be given assistance,” LG Sinha said.

He informed that ten percent reservation to Agniveers, on the directions of Defence Minister was given in JKP recruitment.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal K M Cariappa.

Two-minute silence was observed in the honour of martyrs of the Armed Forces. Mobility aids like motorised wheelchairs, retrofitted scooties were distributed to the veterans and veer naris.