MIGs, warships to be displayed at War Memorial

Indigenous missiles such as Agni, Akash and Prithvi, MIG 23 aircraft and various armed vehicles used by armed forces are now showcased in NWMP in the City and will be open to public once the project is completed.

Sailing through the waves of protests launched by various sections of society, especially green activists, the upcoming NWMP will be a platform for the families of martyrs to pay their tributes to the sacrifices made by the martyrs. This place is now all set to draw crowds within a couple of months.

Designed by City-based architects, Mathew and Ghosh, this  project which is almost 70 per cent complete is now home to various war-winning equipment. The missile boat for instance, played a crucial role in defeating Pakistani Navy in 1971. “The over 50 ft ship will either be a original one or a downsized model. The discussions are on with the Navy,” said a source here.

Other attractions here include MIG 23, Vijayanth tanks and Armed Personal Carriers which were used in the war. The MIG 23 fighter craft which turned the tide of the war in 1965 war at Longowal, according to a source here has been brought here from Halware in Ludhiana.

The absolute tank and APC, which won the war at Asal Utta in Punjab by destroying over 300 Patton tanks will also undergo changes to make it more attractive. The 10,000 sq metre underground motivation hall will be home to various displays and pictures which will speak about the glory of Indian army, its martyrs and heroes.

A 65-metre  flag mast and 75-foot Veeragallu along with flags of three armed forces will be housed at the entrance of motivation hall.

The Veeragallu, an imposing and traditional monolith granite which symbolises the strength and courage of conviction of soldiers will bear the names of 25,000 martyrs. As submitted to the High Court, the State Government has kept its promise regarding the felling of trees as only four eucalyptus trees have been chopped for construction of motivational hall.

However the State is considering to move the  Court seeking to remove the eucalyptus trees and replace them with indigenous species as the State has banned the exotic species.

The Government also plans to retain it as a lung space after completion.