SHIMLA -30^th May, 2025-Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, while addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha' in Shimla today, paid tribute to the martyred soldiers who made supreme sacrifice protecting the boundaries of the country and saluted their families members and ex-servicemen. He said that the glorious saga of valor of the Indian Army is a golden chapter of our history, which can never be forgotten.

He said that Himachal Pradesh is not only Dev Bhoomi, but also Veer Bhoomi, where the brave soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the service and security of the country. The brave soldiers of the state have received a total of 1203 gallantry awards so far, which include 4 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 10 Mahavir Chakras, 25 Kirti Chakras, 57 Vir Chakras and 99 Shaurya Chakras symbolizing their courage and bravery and patriotic zeal for sacrificing their lives for the country.

The Deputy Chief Minister recalled the contribution of brave soldiers like Major Somnath Sharma, Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra and who were posthumously awarded the Paramvir Chakra for their courage. Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar from Bilaspur was also honoured with Paramvir Chakra for his exemplary valour. He said that the stories of these brave soldiers will continue to inspire and inculcate patriotism in the coming generations.

Mukesh Agnihotri also highlighted the historical role of the Shimla Agreement in his address. He said that in the decisive agreement that was reached between the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan on 2 July 1972, it was clearly decided that any dispute between India and Pakistan will be resolved through bilateral talks and there will be no interference from any third country. He urged the Central Government not to compromise on the basic spirit of this agreement, especially on the Kashmir issue. The Shimla Agreement is paramount and the central government is requested to maintain its spirit.

He also paid tribute to martyr Naik Dilbar Singh, a resident of Bangana in Una district, was posthumously decorated the Kirti Chakra, and martyred while fighting terrorists in Kupwara on 23 July 2024. Havildar Rohit Kumar Negi of Taranda village in Kinnaur, who was posthumously decorated the Shaurya Chakra, who lost his life in an avalanche on 8 October 2023 while in line of duty.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that recently on May 22, Agniveer Naveen Kumar (Kangra) was martyred in the Drass sector of Kargil. During Operation Sindoor, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar (Shahpur, Kangra) was martyred in Pakistani firing.

He informed that Sub Inspector Vyas Dev of Bathu village of Haroli Assembly and Gurnam Singh of Chhetra village were injured in operation Sindoor and he wished them speedy recovery.

The Deputy Chief Minister concluded his address with the resolution that the state government will always remain committed to the honor of the martyrs and the welfare of their families.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, recalling the 1971 war, said that he was posted in Longewala area in that war. At that time, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi always boosted the morale of the soldiers, which led to the historic victory of the Indian Army. He said that the Congress Party has played an important role in Nation building. He said that we are all proud of the valor and bravery of the our soldiers.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, AYUSH Minister Yadvender Goma, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs, former Ministers, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Himachal Congress co-incharge Vidit Chaudhary and Chetan Chauhan, Major General DBS Rana, Colonel BC Lagwal, Lieutenant Colonel PS Atri, Chairman and Vice Chairman of various boards and corporations, senior Congress leaders and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.