Graffiti on National Military Memorial; public shocked

One of Karnataka’s pride, the National Military Memorial (NMM) is again in the news, but for the wrong reasons.

Some miscreants have written on the stone slab where the names of the martyred soldiers are engraved. Enraged by the graffiti, citizens have taken to social media to vent their ire.

“Chandu... Jyothi... 17 September 2016” is also engraved on the memorial wall next to the names of the deceased soldiers. This has not gone down well with defence personnel, families of the martyrs and members of the National Military Memorial Committee.

Member of Parliament Rajeev Chandrashekhar Tweeted: “Dear @DrParameshwara @BDABLR - look at defacing of the #NationalMilitaryMemorial! Please show some respect for this
place n hv security to protect this shrine to memory of brave hearts.”

Others also expressed shock and said neither the people nor the government have any respect for the memorial or the martyrs.

A family member of a martyr whose name is in the wall said: “If the government has no respect for the wall, it has no respect for the Indian soldiers. This is the only memorial in India and this deserves better protection.”

Air Cdre (Rtd) MK Chandrashekar, member of the NMM Managing Trust, said he was not against the government or people. He said the memorial was made to create a sense of respect and awareness among citizens about soldiers and their sacrifice and expressed hope that people would eventually understand its purpose.

Mahantesh Murgod, Horticulture Department Deputy Director for Cubbon Park and Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, said only a part of the space was with the horticulture department and the memorial is under the BDA’s control.

Bangalore Development Authority Commissioner Rakesh Singh said he was unaware of the graffiti and assured he would look into the matter. He said the security rested with BDA and the Authority will ensure it.