category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh Punjab Freedom Fighter, Defence Services Welfare and Information and Public Relations Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra on Wednesday honoured family members dependents of martyrs of Operation Pawan during a felicitation ceremony organized by the government at Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum Ludhiana, wherein he reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government was standing firmly with the soldiers and their families. Recalling the stellar role of Armed forces in preserving the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country, he said that the Indian Armed Forces have a glorious tradition of remaining on the forefront for defending the unity and sovereignty of the country besides guarding its borders while performing their duty. He categorically mentioned that the country would ever remain indebted to these heroes for their selfless services and supreme sacrifices made for the motherland. He complemented the professionalism and ethos of the Indian Army and lauded the invaluable contribution of the Defence Forces towards Nation Building. The minister further said that it was a well known fact that every soldier who joins the Armed forces has a firm determination to render selfless service towards the nation. Hence, it was our moral duty to support them during hour of crisis. He also lashed out as previous governments for ignoring the family members of martyrs of operation pawan occurred about 36 years ago in which as many as 115 soldiers from the state had laid their lives for this country. Urging union government to stop making draconian schemes like Agniveer, the Minister said that this project has left youngsters in lurch as they were feeling helpless after spending four years in the army as Agniveer. Such schemes would discourage youngsters to come forward for joining the defence forces, he said adding that it was only the Chief Minister, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann who came forward for the grieved family of martyr Agniveer by providing necessary financial assistance besides sharing heartfelt condolences to the family. Earlier, the Minister took a round in the war museum wherein he witnessed the artistic presentation of bravery and valour of our soldiers during different combat situations. (editor dailyworld.in)