Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government hit back at Congress after the party tried to circulate misinformation regarding the flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and claimed that immortal Amar Jawan Jyoti flame to be extinguished. He wrote, “It is a matter of great sadness that the immortal flame that used to burn for our brave soldiers will be extinguished today. Some people cannot understand patriotism and sacrifice. Nevertheless, we will once again light the Amar Jawan Jyoti for our soldiers!”
However, the government has cleared that the Amar Jawan jyoti isn’t extinguished, rather it will be merged with the flame at the National War Memorial.
According to sources, The decision to merge the two flames was taken as there cannot be two war memorials in close proximity to each other and it is the National War Memorial which represents independent India and eternal soldier.
“It was an odd thing to see that the flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 and other wars but none of their names are present there,” government sources said.
Instead, The names inscribed on the India Gate are of only some martyrs who fought for the British in the World War 1 & the Anglo Afghan War & thus is a symbol of our colonial past.
Additionally, it must be noted that Congress leaders like Manish Tiwari and Shashi Tharoor were also seen parroting Rahul Gandhi’s words and accusing the central government of destroying history. Not just them, several media houses including the Indian Express, Scroll, The Wire are also busy building their propaganda and portraying the Modi government as a non-respecter of martyrs.
However, it has been conveniently ignored that India gate inscribes names of only some martyrs who fought for the British in World War 1 & the Anglo Afghan, National War Memorial has names of all Indian martyrs from all the wars, including 1971, after which the Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit.
It is ironic that people who did not make a National War Memorial for 7 decades are now making a hue and cry when a permanent and fitting tribute is being made to our martyrs.
