War Memorial to be Built in Shahpur, Says Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania
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Dharamshala, Sept 7 — Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania announced that a grand war memorial will be constructed in Shahpur to honor martyrs, with land already identified for the project. Speaking at an ex-servicemen felicitation ceremony organized by Shahpur Block Ex-Servicemen Cell, he lauded the extraordinary contribution of Himachal’s soldiers in safeguarding the nation.
Pathania highlighted that since Independence, 1,728 soldiers from Himachal have laid down their lives, including 52 in the Kargil War. The state has produced 4 Param Vir Chakra, 2 Ashok Chakra, 10 Maha Vir Chakra, and 25 Kirti Chakra awardees, among hundreds of other decorated soldiers. Kangra district alone accounts for 2 Param Vir Chakras — Maj. Somnath Sharma and Capt. Vikram Batra.
He also detailed welfare measures by the present state government, including increased ex-gratia for martyr families (₹30 lakh), disabled soldiers, and widows, along with enhanced old-age financial assistance (₹5,000/month from April 2025) for non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows.
During the event, Veer Naris and distinguished servicemen were felicitated, including Colonel Jai Singh (Vishisht Seva Medal), Pinki Devi, Savitri Devi, Soma Devi, and families of martyrs. The Changer Ex-Servicemen Cell also contributed ₹50,000 to the Disaster Relief Fund.
