The Haryana Government has proposed to showcase the entire history of first war of Independence of India — 1857 with light and sound in the ‘War Memorial’ to be set up at Ambala. The ‘War Memorial would be constructed at a cost of about Rs120 crore, said Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday.
Vij, who was presiding over a meeting in this regard said that the war memorial would display historical events of the freedom struggle from Ambala to Rangoon and information about all known and unknown freedom fighters of Haryana would also be inscribed.
He said that as per an estimate, about 3500 persons had lost their lives in 1857 struggle, out of which about 1100 have been identified. Not only this, at that time the British had completely destroyed 115 villages.
He said that first war of India’s Independence had started from Ambala on May 10, 1857.
The ‘War Memorial’ would also project important historical incidents right from revolution of 1857 to Bahadurshah Jafar including events related to life of Jhansi ki Rani, Tantya Tope, Mangal Pandey and other freedom fighters. The war memorial would have the facilities like auditorium, library, tower museum, food court, reception, covered parking and helipad.
He said that construction of ‘War Memorial’ in Ambala is very important as first light of freedom struggle was ignited from Ambala.
He had been constantly demanding for the same for the last 15 years but leaders of Congress had delayed its construction and did not allow that real history of the country be projected before the people. After formation of BJP government in the state, martyrs are being given their due respect, added Vij.