Fazilka, August 23, 2026-“Martyrs are the pride and treasure of our nation, and it is because of their sacrifices that we are enjoying the warmth of freedom.” Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said this while paying tributes to the martyrs at the Asafwala War Memorial.
He said that our martyrs did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of the country. He said that the War Memorial at Asafwala in Fazilka stands as a symbol of how our brave armed forces defended the country against the enemies.
He said that every citizen salutes the exemplary duty being performed by the soldiers who remain deployed round the clock along the borders to protect the nation. He also said that the martyrs families deserve our heartfelt salute. He called upon the younger generation to fulfil the dreams of the martyrs and come forward to discharge their duties towards the nation.
Earlier, he had visited the Government Primary School in Awa village and interacted with members of the Village Defence Committees and addressed the people of the border villages. During the meeting with the Village Defence Committees, the prevailing situation in the border areas was discussed, along with the needs, difficulties and demands of the people. Several new pieces of information were also shared with the villagers. Suggestions were also sought from members of the Village Defence Committees on how to make the campaign more effective.
He said that Village Defence Committees have a very important role to play in the anti-drug campaign and urged them to remain vigilant and strengthen surveillance in their respective villages. He asked the committee members to maintain close watch over their villages and also keep track of the direction in which the youth of their villages are moving, so that no young person falls into the trap of drugs.
He further said that the district administration should also include women as members of the Village Defence Committees so that the campaign can achieve meaningful and effective results.