Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, while addressing the ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ held in Shimla, paid heartfelt tribute to the soldiers from Himachal Pradesh who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. He hailed the state not only as Dev Bhoomi but also Veer Bhoomi, underscoring its proud legacy of sacrifice and military service.
Highlighting the state’s exceptional contribution to national defense, Agnihotri shared that Himachali soldiers have earned 1,203 gallantry awards to date. These include 4 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 10 Mahavir Chakras, 25 Kirti Chakras, 57 Vir Chakras, and 99 Shaurya Chakras. He recalled the unmatched bravery of heroes like Major Somnath Sharma, Lt. Col. Dhan Singh Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra, and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar—icons of courage who continue to inspire generations.
The Deputy CM also paid homage to recent martyrs: Naik Dilbar Singh of Una, posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his actions in Kupwara; Havildar Rohit Kumar Negi of Kinnaur, who was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra; and Agniveer Naveen Kumar of Kangra, martyred in Drass. He also honored Subedar Major Pawan Kumar (Kangra), who lost his life during Operation Sindoor, and wished a speedy recovery to injured personnel Sub Inspector Vyas Dev and Gurnam Singh.
Turning to diplomatic matters, Agnihotri emphasized the enduring relevance of the 1972 Shimla Agreement between Indira Gandhi and Pakistan’s leadership. He stressed that all India-Pakistan disputes, especially over Kashmir, must be resolved bilaterally without third-party interference, as per the agreement. He urged the central government to uphold the core spirit of this historic pact.
Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil also addressed the gathering, recalling his own experience during the 1971 Indo-Pak war in Longewala and praising former PM Indira Gandhi’s leadership. He highlighted the Congress Party’s significant role in nation-building and boosting troop morale.
The event, which began with a two-minute silence for the martyrs, was attended by several dignitaries including Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and senior military officers and Congress leaders. The Deputy CM concluded by reaffirming the state government’s unwavering commitment to the honour of martyrs and the welfare of their families.
CM Pays Tribute to Himachal Martyrs Honoured with Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
