Armed forces resume demand for war memorial

Updated on: 19 June,2009 08:21 AM IST |
Anshuman G Dutta |

The India Gate is built in memory of the 90,000 soldiers, who gave their lives during the two World Wars. But, little has been done for the thousands who died fighting Pakistan and China after Independence.

The India Gate is built in memory of the 90,000 soldiers, who gave their lives during the two World Wars. But, little has been done for the thousandsu00a0 who died fighting Pakistan and China after Independence.

The proposal to construct a National War Memorial in Delhi for these bravehearts was mooted in the 60s. However, the fileu00a0 has been lost in transit.

"The proposal was drawn up in the 60s and is now being revived. The plan is to construct a war memorial near India Gate, which was built in the honour of British Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and II.
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We managed to receive sanctions from several parties who have stakes in India Gate, but now the proposal is stuck with the Environment ministry," said a Defence ministry official.
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"India Gate was constructed by the British. It's unfortunate we could not construct a war memorial for our soldiers even after 60 years of Independence," said an officer of the Indian Army.

Sources said the design of the proposed memorial has not got a green signal from the environment ministry.
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"It says the structure can spoil the ambience of the present structures at India Gate," said the official.
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But the Defence ministry is adamant to construct the memorial. "It will blend with other heritage monuments. We will honour our martyrs finally," he added.

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