New Delhi: The longstanding demand for a
national war memorial for armed forces is likely to be met
soon with Defence Minister AK Antony on Friday saying that
"serious dialogues" are on to sort out the issue.
"I think the things are now nearing to a solution.
Serious dialogues are going on to sort out the issue," Antony
told reporters on the sidelines of 'Victory Day' celebrations
here.
The Defence Minister was replying to a query on
dedicating an exclusive war memorial for the three armed
services to honour their war heroes and martyrs.
Army Chief General VK Singh also hoped that an early
decision will be taken in this regard.
Observing that the government is looking into the
matter, Gen Singh said, "We hope an early decision is taken to
honour all the people who have laid down their lives for the
nation."
Antony along with the three Services chiefs today laid
wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in memory of the soldiers who
died during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The Defence forces today celebrated 40th year of their
victory in the war which resulted in the independence of
Bangladesh.
The proposal for a National War Memorial (NWM) was
first mooted in the 1960s but the matter is still stuck with
several departments and ministries, citing reasons such as the
lack of availability of space and finance.
A key dispute for the war memorial has been the choice of
its location. Indian Army wanted the memorial to be
constructed behind the India Gate, which was opposed by the
Urban Development Ministry, municipal bodies and several
heritage organisations.
The matter was referred to a Group of Minister in
August 2009.
India Gate, which presently is regarded as the national
war memorial, was built by the British Army to honour the
soldiers killed in the First World War.
PTI
First Published: Friday, December 16, 2011, 20:08