Chandigarh: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij has revealed several significant historical facts relating to the Freedom Struggle of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence. He said that Indian soldiers and brave freedom fighters displayed extraordinary courage and valour during the uprising and laid down their lives for the cause of India’s freedom.
He informed that during the events involving the 5th and 60th Native Infantry in Ambala Cantonment in September 1857, 135 Indian soldiers were killed by the British within just 10 minutes at the Parade Ground. In addition, the British had disbanded 74 military companies during the Revolt of 1857.
Vij said that extensive research undertaken in connection with the construction of the ‘Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak–1857’ had brought to light several government documents containing previously untold accounts of the extraordinary sacrifices and struggles of Indian soldiers and revolutionaries. These stories, he said, had not received their rightful place in the pages of history until now.
He added that the flame of freedom ignited by the soldiers of the freedom struggle of 1857 through their sacrifice of life and blood went on to inspire the country’s subsequent independence movement. The purpose of the Shaheed Smarak, he said, is to preserve this historical legacy and pass on the authentic history of the freedom struggle, along with the stories of sacrifice, to future generations.
