Banawali (Mansa): Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal today gave an ex-gratia grant of Rs 10 lakh to the family members of Indian Army’s Sepoy, Manjinder Singh (22) who laid his life while battling with the terrorists in Devsar area near Kulgam and Taral Districts of Jammu & Kashmir on November 14. A government school for girls in the name of Shaheed Manjinder Singh has also been announced in Banawali village for which a grant of first installment of Rs 25 lakh would be released soon.
Speaking during the occasion, Manpreet Badal said, “Shaheed ki jo maut hai wo kaum ki hayat hai,” (Death of a martyr is nation’s life). He stated that no words could help the family, especially the mother of the martyr young boy. “But we must pledge today to offer every possible help to the family by all means,” Badal said. He further said, “Many people take birth and many dies, but only few like Manjinder becomes Immortal.”
He pointed out that cutting across party lines, members and representatives of different political parties have gathered in Banawali village to pay homage to Sepoy Manjinder Singh. “This shows that despite our differences we all love and support the army jawans’ and our nation,” he further said.
He informed that Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army has no dearth of heroic courage, boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in the battles. “It is this regiment which has not only lost great heroes in battles but won many victories,” he said.
Badal stated that the Sikh Regiment is fighting many battles, the Punjabi jawans are fighting with internal and external forces, apart from the battles, they also fought in wrestling, games, mountains and in the ocean.
Eulogizing the efforts of the Indian Army and the courage shown by Sepoy Manjinder Singh in the battle, former Congress MLA from Sardulgarh-Ajitinder Singh Moffar said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh very well understands the problems and needs of army-men as he was himself had served in the Indian Army.
Rajya Sabha Member Balwinder Bhunder also spoke during the occasion and announced a grant of Rs 10 lakhs for the village—Banawali— of Sepoy Manjinder Singh.