Ferozepur, September 12, 2023: As per media reports Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today laid the foundation stone of Saragarhi War Memorial during a state-level function organised to mark the 126th anniversary of the historic battle of Saragarhi that took place on September 12, 1897, near Samana (now in Pakistan).
Addressing a gathering, the CM said there would be no “cap” on funds for the construction of this memorial, adding that the work on it would be completed within six months.
He said December, during which the Sahibzade and Mata Gujri were martyred, is the month of mourning for the humanity.
He had directed officers to ensure that no function was celebrated at government level during the month. This would be a tribute to the Sahibzade and Mata Gujri.
Ferozepur MLAs Ranbir Singh Bhullar and Rajnish Dahiya, MLA, Guruharsahai, Fauja Singh Sarari, MLA, Jalalabad, Jagdeep Kamboj, Commissioner, Ferozepur Division, Daljit Mangat, DC Rajesh Dhiman and DIG Ranjit Singh Dhillon were present.
Also Read: The Battle of Saragarhi
The Battle of Saragarhi was a last-stand battle fought before the Tirah Campaign between the British Raj and Afghan tribesmen. On 12 September 1897, an estimated 12,000 – 24,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen were seen near Gogra, at Samana Suk, and around Saragarhi, cutting off Fort Gulistan from Fort Lockhart. The Afghans attacked the outpost of Saragarhi where thousands of them swarmed and surrounded the fort, preparing to assault it. Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the 21 soldiers in the fort—all of whom were Sikhs—refused to surrender and were wiped out in a last stand.
