Punjab to set up independence memorial

Chandigarh, June 27 (IANS) Punjab will set up a "Jang-e-Azaadi" (War of Independence) memorial near Jalandhar to commemorate the sacrifices made by hundreds of freedom fighters for the country, it was announced here Friday.

The foundation stone of the memorial at Kartarpur, near Jalandhar, 175 km from here, will be laid in the third week of August, it was decided at a meeting of the memorial foundation held here under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Friday.

The memorial would be completed within two years by August 2016, Badal said. He added that funds would not be a constraint for the project.

"The prestigious monument has been planned to showcase the rich legacy and the exemplary valour displayed by countless freedom fighters, patriots and martyrs from Punjab during the Indian independence movement.

"The upcoming memorial would play a vital role and act as a beacon to acquaint our younger generations about the saga of great sacrifices made by our martyrs especially from Punjab to free their motherland from the yoke of British imperialism," he said.

The memorial foundation has engaged the services of eminent film director Shyam Benegal for the preparation of a 90-minute film depicting the entire saga of Punjab's stellar role in the freedom struggle.

Interacting with the members of the foundation, Benegal said that it was a unique project which has touched his soul and mind.