Congress leader Amarinder Singh laments lack of memorials for war soldiers

Senior Congress leader and Deputy Leader of Lok Sabha, Amarinder Singh, on Saturday lamented that no government in independent India, cared to set up a memorial for Indian soldiers, who died for the country in various wars.

Speaking at the launch of his book 'Honour and Fidelity', Singh said it is 'wrong' if somebody has not pushed for war memorial yet.

"It has been 60 years after independence but no government has bothered to set up a memorial in honour of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the country in various wars.

"It is very wrong if somebody has not pushed for a memorial. All the soldiers who died should be honoured," he said at the launch function on Saturday.

He hoped the new government takes steps to ensure that war memorial is set up soon.

"It is a pity that we do not have national war memorial.

"I hope we have one now," he added.

Singh dedicated the book to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, saying she has great leadership ability.

"I have been serving under her for the last 16 years and I find her a good leader," he said adding "she respects those who perform."

Singh's book talks of India's military contribution to World War 1 from 1914 to 1918, which saw 74,000 Indian soldiers being killed and 67,000 wounded.

A number of former army officers and former union ministers attended the function.