Pune memorial, an example for rest of the nation: Gen Malik

On marble panels surrounding the impressive 50-ft tall monument erected by the Indian Army through citizens’ contributions with the initiative taken by the Express-Citizens’ War Memorial Committee, are names of 1,080 men and officers from the three wings of the armed forces hailing from Maharashtra who laid down their lives in defence of the country during the 50 years of independence. There are names of martyrs who were killed in action as recently as in 1997, mostly in the Valley, in encounters with militants.

General Malik said the emergence of Taliban militants in Afghanistan should concern not only India but the entire region. “It is a matter of concern for us in particular since some countries are trying to force fundamentalism on a secular state like India”.

The so-called freedom theme has miserably failed, he said, adding it is now religious fundamentalism through the call of `jehad’ that is being attempted. He was however, happy that Kashmiris, who believe in the tenets of Sufism, have outright rejected this theme.

The general declined to answer a question on the effect on India of Iran taking on the Taliban militia.

General Malik profusely complimented the citizens’ committee in Pune for taking up the memorial project and for upholding the dignity and honour of the soldier. “I have always said,” he remarked, “that any country that does not honour its soldiers has to eventually pay for it”.

He hoped that Pune’s example would be followed in other parts of the country as well. Asked about the proposed war memorial in New Delhi, he said the project has now been revived. There will soon be tangible progress on it.

Lt. Gen. H.M.Khanna, GOC-in-C, Southern Command, Brig. N.B.Grant (retd), chairman of the Express-Citizens’ War Memorial Committee, Brig. Madan Gopal, commander, Pune Sub Area, and Lt. Gen. Eric Vas (retd) as well as Lt. Gen. B.T.Pandit (retd), both members of the committee, welcomed the army chief at the memorial site.