CHAPAR CHIRI: (SAS Nagar): The 300 years of inception of first Sikh Rule in India, that marked a beginning of struggle for freedom was celebrated here Saturday with Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal laying foundation stone of Rs 48 crore Memorial to be built at the historic battle ground that was witness to Sikh Warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Baba Banda Singh Bahadu had defeated the most cruel Mogul Governor Wazir Khan.
The establishment of Sikh War memorial to be constructed by L&T, was the initiative Punjab Chief Minister, to perpetuate the unparalleled bravery of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his five Generals including Fateh Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Sikh history was replete with the sacrifices of Sikhs, who were always on forefront to fight against injustice and cruelty. He said that our young generation was oblivious of sacrifices made by Sikhs in getting our nation freed from the clutches of foreign invaders. He said that the sole purpose of erecting this memorial was to perpetuate the historic role of the Banda Singh Bahadur, in establishment of Sikh Rule and make our younger generation aware about it. He said that this memorial, one of its own kinds in the world would have 300 feet tall ‘Burj Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’, marking the 300 years of this epic war. He said that it would also have five mini museums indicating the sacrifice of 5 Sikh Jarnails.
Giving the details of memorials, Badal said that this memorial would be set up on a piece of 21 acre land acquired at the cost of Rs 25 Crores and was being erected at the cost of Rs 27 crores by Larsen and Tubro, a world renowned infrastructure company. Badal said that on 18th October foundation stone of another memorial was being laid at Kup Rohira, the site of ‘Wadda Ghallughara’ where, 35000 Sikhs were butchered, within the span of two- three days. He said that it was biggest massacre of Sikhs as half the Sikh population was killed by Moguls. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the third memorial was being built at Kahnuwan, the site of ‘Chota Ghallughara’ where 15000 Sikhs with their wives and children were killed by Moguls. He said that foundation stone of this memorial was being laid on 23rd October and all the three memorials would be constructed by L&T within span of 1 year.
In a message read out in function, Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab, who is recuperating in PGI after an injury on eye, apologized for not being able to attend this historic event.
Sikhsindia
