Ludhiana Civic Body to Reinstall Martyr's Statue at Bharat Nagar Chowk After Public Protest
In a significant development for Ludhiana, the long-standing demand of activists and ex-servicemen to reinstall the statue of martyr Major Bhupinder Singh MVC at Bharat Nagar Chowk is set to be fulfilled after a struggle of almost four months. The civic body officials have now initiated preparations for the shifting process, marking a victory for public sentiment and honoring military sacrifice.
Preparations Underway for Complex Shifting Operation
The statue and accompanying tank will be relocated from Rose Garden to Bharat Nagar Chowk, their original site. This move comes after the memorial was first shifted near the Government College for Girls and then to Rose Garden, sparking widespread discontent. On Thursday, Municipal Corporation officials, followed by City Mayor Inderjit Kaur, visited Bharat Nagar Chowk to assess the requirements and oversee the logistical challenges.
The shifting process is expected to be particularly challenging due to the tank's weight of nearly 50 tonnes. Officials plan to transport it to the chowk using a large vehicle, after which cranes will be employed for installation. To minimize disruption, the operation will be conducted at night, as the chowk remains heavily crowded during daytime, making traffic halts impractical.
Background of the Protest and Official Support
The demand for reinstatement gained momentum in September last year when activists initiated a protest, later joined by members of ex-servicemen organizations. The Western Command was also approached, which subsequently contacted Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain to advocate for returning the memorial to its original location. The DC assured that the demands would be met, paving the way for the current actions.
Assistant Commissioner of the MC, Jasdev Sekhon, emphasized the importance of honoring martyrs, stating, "Martyrs gave away their lives for the sake of this country, and we should give them their due honour. We will start the construction of the platform and place the statue and tank at its original place." He added that suggestions from a private firm are being considered for implementation to ensure a respectful and durable installation.
Public Reaction and Historical Significance
Social activist Kapil Arora expressed relief and satisfaction, noting, "A statue and tank of the hero Shaheed Major Bhupinder Singh Ji are going to be installed in Bharat Nagar Chowk. Finally, the people's struggle has forced the Punjab government to do the right thing once again." This sentiment echoes the emotional connection residents and veterans have with the site.
Bharat Nagar Chowk, one of Ludhiana's busiest intersections, has long served as a site of pride, where the statue of Major Bhupinder Singh, MVC, stood as a powerful symbol of valour and sacrifice. Its removal during civic works had triggered strong emotional reactions, highlighting the deep respect for military heroes in the community. The reinstatement is seen as restoring a cherished landmark that commemorates national service and sacrifice.
