JAMMU, Dec 09: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the significant contributions of the armed forces in combating terrorism during an interaction with army veterans and officials from the Sainik Welfare Department.

 Sinha emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens to support the families of martyrs and urged generous contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.

During the event, Brig. Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director, Sainik Welfare Department, J&K, pinned the Armed Forces Flag on the jacket of the Lt. Governor. He briefed Sinha on various departmental initiatives, including the enhancement of daughter marriage grants, introduction of widow re-marriage grants, and other welfare endeavours for veterans, Veer Naris, dependents, and serving Armed Forces personnel.

Expressing gratitude to the martyrs and the men in uniform, Sinha said, "It is our collective responsibility to look after the families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. I express my gratitude to the martyrs and the men in uniform, who are valiantly and selflessly fighting to safeguard the country’s honour, integrity, and sovereignty."

Armed Forces Flag Day, observed annually on December 7, serves as a tribute to the martyrs and a gesture of gratitude to soldiers dedicated to protecting the nation's integrity and sovereignty.

Sinha further urged citizens to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, emphasizing the fund's role in supporting the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

Among those who attended the function included retired military officers, including Col JS Randhawa, Col BS Sambyal, Col Jitendra Singh, Col Sukhbir Singh, Col JA Mir, Col Manjeet Singh, as well as veterans such as Sh Bawa Singh, Sh Ashwani Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Janak Singh, Vinod Badkulia, and Rajinder Kumar.