Saragarhi battle: In Ferozepur, tributes paid to mark battle’s anniversary

BATHINDA: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh virtually paid tributes to the soldiers of the historic Saragarhi battle on its 124th anniversary.
A state-level martyrdom day function was organised at Gurdwara Saragarhi near Ferozepur. Chief minister recalled the valour of the 22 soldiers of the 36th Sikh stationed near Samana ridge (now in NWFP Pakistan), who laid down their lives after a fierce battle following an attack by nearly 10,000 Afghans on September 12, 1897.
Recalling the epic battle, Captain Amarinder said in order to quell the disturbances in the Pathan areas, four columns of the then British Indian Army were sent by General Lockhart. Of these, 36th Sikh (Now 4 Sikh) comprising 21 Sikh soldiers and a cook, was assigned the task of defending Saragarhi, which was an observation post for ensuring communication between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan.
“In the morning of September 12, 1897, Pathans hailing from Afridi and Orakzai tribes attacked the Saragarhi. The pathan demands for surrender were rebuffed strongly by Havaldar Ishar Singh. Soon the attack ensued prompting Ishar Singh to send signal to his superior Colonel Houghton who asked them to hold positions,” said Captain Amarinder, adding as the battle continued every Sikh soldier fired 400-500 rounds of ammunition. According to Captain, all the efforts to send help to the besieged soldiers were unsuccessful owing to large number of tribal pathans. “At last, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh sent the last signal to Colonel Houghton and picked up the gun to fight and all soldiers were martyred,” he said.
Sports minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi said the martyrdom of the Sikh soldiers was recognised all over the world, including by Queen Victoria and the highest gallantry award at that time, Indian Order of Merit (IOM), equivalent to Param Vir Chakra, was awarded to every martyr.
MLA Ferozepur (urban) Parminder Singh Pinki demanded that a langar hall should be constructed on the 2.5 acre of forest land to which the chief minister asked the deputy commissioner to send a detailed proposal. The MLA also urged the Prime Minister to extend Rs 11 crore assistance in the proper upkeep of the Saragarhi Gurdwara.
Chairman Saragarhi Memorial Management Committee and deputy GOC-cum-station commander Brigadier V Mohanty said, the UNESCO had included Saragarhi among the eight greatest battles of the world. The detailed project report regarding the war memorial of Saragarhi is ready, he added.