Indo-China stand-off: Sikkim announces ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to martyrs’ families

Sikkim government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh to each of the 20 brave soldiers’ families who were martyred during the recent stand-off at the Indo-China border along Galwan valley in Ladakh.

Addressing a programme - ‘Veeron Ko Naman’ - to pay tribute to the martyrs, the state Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the state is committed to providing assistance to safeguard the nation. “The Government and the people of Sikkim are committed to providing all possible support to safeguard the nation,” he added.

Meanwhile, paying tribute to the martyrs, Governor Ganga Prasad said the people of Sikkim stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation to safeguard against any external forces. He expressed his deepest condolences to the members of the families of the brave martyrs.

Also read: Sikkim: Four new COVID-19 cases reported, count stands at 83

The Governor further added that this is new India which has learnt to protect and preserve its territory. He urged the people of Sikkim not to pay heed to rumours floating around. He reiterated that the country is safe in the hands of the brave Indian Army. The Hon’ble Governor concluded his address with a patriotic poem inciting brevity and valour to deal with any adversity.

On the occasion, National General Secretary, Bharatiya Janta Party, Ram Madhav joined the event through live webcast. He lauded the Government of Sikkim for organizing the befitting tribute to the brave martyrs.

Likewise, the function was joined through live webcast by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for DoNER, Government of India. In his message, the Union Minister of State congratulated the Governor and Chief Minister for having conceptualized and visualized this homage ceremony. He said that coming from a border state himself, he could understand the sacrifice made day and night by the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. “There is no compensation for what the Army does for the country and the people of the nation. We can only be eternally grateful,” he said.

Besides, he stated that it is appropriate that this function is being held in Sikkim, because the people of Sikkim are known for their patriotism. “Whenever the country goes through any challenge, Sikkim has always exhibited great strength and forbearance and inspired the rest of the nation,” he added.

“India has always stood for peace, but whenever threatened, it has retaliated with valour, sacrifice and bravery. This has been inherited by the coming generation,” he said.

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