NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 23(NVI): For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, will honor the martyrs of the region, including soldiers and policemen, on the eve of Republic Day 2025.
Sources revealed that Deputy CM Choudhary is scheduled to visit the Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park, Srinagar, on the morning of January 26. At the memorial, he will pay floral tributes to the brave individuals who laid down their lives in service to the nation. Following this solemn ceremony, Choudhary will preside over the Republic Day function at Bakhshi Stadium, Srinagar, where the main celebrations will take place.
This tribute is unprecedented, as no Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has previously visited the Balidan Stambh for such an occasion. The move is being widely viewed as a symbolic step toward acknowledging the sacrifices of the region’s martyrs and strengthening national integration.
The Balidan Stambh, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 15, 2024, was constructed at a cost of Rs 4.8 crore. It stands as a testament to the valor and dedication of soldiers and police personnel who gave their lives for the peace and security of Jammu and Kashmir.
Political analysts and observers see this initiative as a positive change, signifying a deeper respect for the contributions of the region’s martyrs. It also underscores the Deputy Chief Minister’s commitment to honoring their legacy and fostering unity in the Union Territory.
The Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir this year promise to be especially poignant, with the historic tribute at Balidan Stambh serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that have paved the way for peace and progress in the region.(News Vibes of India)
