Asserts that country will ever remain indebted to the unprecedented sacrifice of these heroes

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday handed over cheques worth Rs. 1 crore each as financial assistance to the distressed family members of the two brave hearts who had attained martyrdom during search operation against militants at Anantnag (Jammu-Kashmir), a few days back.

After visiting the native houses of these martyrs at SAS Nagar and Samana, the Chief Minister said that these valiant heroes have attained martyrdom while discharging their duty to safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. He said that the two valiant heroes from Punjab, Colonel Manpreet Singh from SAS Nagar and Pardeep Singh of Samana Patiala had attained martyrdom during this operation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is an irreparable loss for the country in general and for the distressed families in particular.

During his visit, the Chief Minister offered his condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to Almighty for granting eternal peace to the departed soul. Handing over cheques worth Rs 1 crore to the distressed families as a mark of respect for the unprecedented sacrifice made by these heroes for the country, he said that the entire country is indebted to these martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this humble initiative of the state government is in recognition of the immense contribution of these sons of soil towards preserving the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to help the families of the soldiers who sacrifice their life at the altar of the motherland, the Chief Minister said that it is the bounden duty of the Punjab government. Bhagwant Mann said that financial assistance to these families of martyrs is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the soldiers and their families who attained martyrdom during the duty. He said that the supreme sacrifice of these martyrs will ever inspire their fellow soldiers and youngsters to perform their duties with far more devotion and commitment.