Memorials to resurrect two PVC recipients’ valour soon

According to the Director Sainik Welfare, Punjab, Brig K S Kahlon, each memorial will consist of a nine feet tall bronze stature depicting the two soldiers in action. The statues will be mounted on marble platforms, on which brief citations, highlighting their exploits, will be inscribed. Capt Karam Singh’s memorial at Sangrur is being constructed in Deputy Commissioner’s office complex, while Capt Salaria’s memorial is coming up on the approach to Pathankot Cantonment near South Colony. The Sangrur memorial will be maintained by the district administration, while the one at Pathankot will be looked after by Headquarters, 21 Sub Area.

Set in an area of about 900 square meters, the memorials are being set up at an estimated cost of Rs 7 lakh each. They are expected to be completed in about a month’s time.

Then Lance Naik, Karam Singh had won his PVC during operations against Pakistani insurgents in 1948 in the Tithwal Sector. "L/Nk Karam Singh proved himself to be a dauntless leader of men in crisis. Nothing could subdue him and no amount of fire or hardship could break his spirit," the citation of his award commented.

Capt Salaria, as a part of a UN force in Elizabethville, Katanga, was awarded his medal posthumously. According to his citation, while fending off an attack by two armoured cars and 90 men, he led a charge with bayonets, khukris and grenades, supported by a rocket launcher. He killed 40 men and knocked out the armoured cars. Despite being wounded in the neck, he continued to fight till he collapsed.

Meanwhile, Brig Kahlon informed that a Sainik Rest House was also on the cards in the newly created district of Muktsar. The Punjab Government has allocated about two acres of land in the City and released a grant of Rs 50 lakh for construction. Plans of the building are on the drawing board and construction is expected to start within three months. The complex will house utility services like a CSD canteen, shopping centre, bank extension counter and a district pension disbursing office.