The Punjab Government on Thursday observed the 22nd death anniversary of late Chief Minister Beant Singh marking it as ‘sarab dharam ka samelan’ at the State-level function organised at Sector-42 Beant Singh Memorial at Chandigarh.
As Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh was conspicuous by his absence due to his court appearance, his Cabinet colleagues Brahm Mohindra, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Manpreet Singh Badal, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot attended the function to pay tributes to “symbol of peace”.
“An all-faith prayer meeting was held to remember Punjab’s 12th CM Beant Singh who sacrificed his life to restore peace and harmony in Punjab,” said a Government’s spokesperson.
Congress’ ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, grandson of the slain Chief Minister, pledged to carry forward the development policies and schemes initiated by him. His cousin and MlA Gurkirat Singh Kotli, while recalling the good deeds of his grandfather, also vowed to keep aloft his high moral values in public life. A host of Congress leaders laid wreaths and paid glowing tributes to the memory of the former Chief Minister at the Beant Singh Memorial. Members of Beant’s family, including his son Tej Prakash, daughter Gurkanwal Kaur and grandsons Kotli and Bittu joined the State-level function, organised by the Punjab Government. Capt Amarinder, who could not personally attend the event, in his message, recalled Singh’s sacrifice for Punjab and its people.
“Beant Singh’s contribution to peace and harmony in the State would forever remain etched in the hearts and minds of the people of Punjab,” said Captain Amarinder, adding Beant Singh’s assassination was a dark day in the State’s history but his sacrifice paved the way for eventual freedom from terrorism.
His political secretary Capt Sandeep Sandhu laid the wreath at the memorial on behalf of Capt Amarinder.
Senior PPCC functionaries, district unit presidents, representative of various social and religious institutions besides family members of the late Chief Minister were also present at the occasion. The two-hour memorial event was marked by prayers. All those present on the occasion were vocal in their praise for Beant Singh’s fearless fight against terrorism, which eventually cost him his life.